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Montana Historical Societj

225 N. Roberts Street

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THE STATE CAPITOL.

CONTRIBUTIONS

TO THE

HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF
MONTANA

CONTRIBUTIONS

TO TH1

historical Society of
Won tan a

WITH ITS

TRANSACTIONS, OFFICERS AND
MEMBERS

Vol. IV.

"Let laurels, drench'd in pure Pernassian dews,
Reward his mem'ry, dear to ev'ry muse,
Who, with a courage of unshaken root,
In honour's field advancing his firm foot,
Plants it upon the line that justice draws,
And will prevail or perish in her cause."

— Cowper.

HKI.ICNA, MONTANA
INDSFBND£NI PUBLISHING COMPANY

1903

BY THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
OF MONTANA

CONTENTS

Page
I. Preface

II.. Officers of the Society 8 9

III. Transactions, 1900-1902 10

IV. In Memoriam, Henry S. Wheeler. Hon. Cornelius Hedges 21

LAYING THE CORNER STONE OF THE CAPITOL

V. Address by the Hon. J. K. Toole 23

VI. Special Communication of the Grand Lodge A. F. and A. M. of

Montana 33

VII. Address of Past Grand Master Wilbur F. Sanders 38

THE DEDICATION CEREMONIES

VIII. Montana's Capitol, E. B. Kennedy, Sec. of Commission 50

IV. The Work of the Capitol Commission. Hon. A. D. Peck 66

X. Response and Acceptance, Hon. Geo. M. Hays. Sec. of State .. 75
XI. Montana. Her Past, Present and Future. Hon. W. A. Clark, U.

S. Senator 77

XII. Legislative Department, Hon. Paris Gibson. U. S. Senator S9

XIII. Executive Department. Ex-Governor Robt. B. Smith 98

XIV. Judicial Department. Hon. Theo. Brantly. Chief Justice 109

XV. Pioneers of Montana, Hon. W. F. Sanders 122

XVI. Final Report of the Capitol Commission 149

PIONEER HISTORY AND BIOGRAPHY

XVII. Reminiscences of Pioneer Life, Mrs. Geo. F. Cowan 156

XVIII. Biographical Sketch of Mrs. Jas. Fergus. Mrs. S. C. Gilpatrick. 188

XIX. Pioneer Women of Gallatin County, Mrs. Martha Skidmore ... 192

XXI. Biographical History of W. H. Parkison 229

XXII. Sketch of Life of Armistead H.Mitchell. M. D.. Capt. Jas Mills.. 243

XXIII. Life and Character of Wm. H. Clagett. W. W. Dixon 249

BATTLE OF THE LITTLE BIG HORN

XXIV. Custer's Last Battle. Wm. S. Brackett . . .' 259

XXV. The Messenger's Story, Sergeant Daniel A. Kanipe 277

XXVI. Members and Officers of the Legislative Assemblies of Mon-
tana, continued from Vol. 2. page 365. Compiled by James

U. Sanders 289

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

Page

1. State Capitol Building Frontispiece

2. Henry Sibley Wheeler 21

3. The State Flower of Montana 22

4. Laying Corner Stone of the State Capitol 23

5. Laying Corner Stone of the State Capitol 27

6. Laying Corner Stone of the State Capitol 29

7. Group of Officers of Masonic Lodge 32

8. First Meeting Montana Pioneers. Old Court House 38

9. Emigrants, Painting in Capitol Building 41

10. Early Day Freight and Express , 44

11. First Bank Building Erected in Montana 46

12. Governor's Private Office .j 50

13. Three Interior Views of Capitol 53

14. The Grand Stairway '. 55

15. Bronze Electrolier 56

16. Three Paintings in the Senate Chamber 58

17. Second View of Grand Stairway 60

IS. The Governor's Reception Room 62

19. The Senate Chamber Capitol Building 64

20. The House — Capitol Building 65

21. Grand Stairway and Rotunda 65

22. Governor R. B. Smith and His Capitol Commission 68

23. The Men Who Built Montana's Capitol 70

24. The State Officers July 4th, 1899 72

25. Hon. W. A. Clark, United States Senator 77

26. Views of Diamond City — Confederate Gulch 80

27. James Fergus and Major E. G. Brooke 83

28. Hope Mill, 1867, Philipsburg 85

29. Hon. Paris Gibson, United States Senator •. 89

30. Original Sketch of Proposed Seal For the Territory of Montana

1864 90

31. Francis M. Thompson. Member First Territorial Assembly 91

32. Bannack In The 60's 92

33. 11th Session House of Representatives Montana Territory, 1879 ... 94

34. Governor Preston H. Leslie 98

35. Gov. Green Clay Smith and Staff 100

36. Acting Governor James Tufts and Staff 102

37. Building Occupied By Territorial Officers, Virginia City 104

38. Group of Territorial Governors 106

39. Hon. Theodore Brantly, Chief Justice 109

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

40. Group of Territorial Judges of Supreme Court 110

41. Hon. Wm. T. Pigott, Associate Justice 112

42. Hon. Geo. R. Milburn. Associate Justice 114

43. Hon. "Wm. H. Hunt 115

44. Hon. Lee Word 119

45. Mining in Early 60s 127

46. Alder Gulch in' '65 130

47. Old Store In Virginia Where Vigilantes Hanged Five Men 133

48. Receipt for Making Plummer's Coffin 134

49. Street Scene In Fort Benton 136

50. Montana City In Early Days : 139

51. Promisory Notes of George Ives -. 140

52. Gov. Toole and State Officers ! 148

53. Chief Joseph and The Cowan Party 156

54. Cowan Views 170

55. Independent Extra 182

56. Mr. and Mrs. James Fergus 188

57. Mrs. Li. B. Lyman 192

58. Louis R. Maillet 197

59. Ten Doy 208

60. Johnny Grant's Place, 1862 225

61. W. H. Parkison 229

62. Dr. Armistead Hughes Mitchell 242

63. Custer Monument 259

64. Three Chiefs Who Fought Against Custer 261

65. Indian Travois 264

67. Reno Heights 267

68. Curly, Only Survivor of Custer Massacre 268

69. Custer Cemetery, Graves of Capt. Keogh and 38 Men 273

70. Custer Battle Field 274

71. 7th Cavalry — Manuscript 276

72. Daniel A. Kanipe 277

'//,/t„„//'/AY/

/ -

PREFACE.

The Historical Society of Montana has passed the thirty-
eighth milestone of its existence. It has endeavored to per-
form its mission and fulfill the trust assumed, as set forth in
the act of incorporation, which says its object shall be to
"collect and arrange facts in regard to the early history of
the Territory of Montana, the discovery of its mines, inci-
dents of the fur trade, etc."

It has endeavored to chronicle passing events with impar-
tial pen, knowing neither political party nor church creed,
having no enemies to fear or punish, and no friends to favor,
according the humblest citizen an equal place with the most
distinguished.

Organized as it was, in the first capital "of the state, incor-
porated by the first legislature, dwelling for a time in the
second capital city during the bustle and excitement of Vir-
ginia City's best days, taking note of persons and events in
the perilous days of the road agents, coming at last to dwell
in the permanent capital, and becoming in the course of
events a part of the library of the new state, it is eminently
fitting that this Society should prepare a memorial volume
of the crowning event of the past thirty-eight years.

It is very proper that the historical department should
issue a volume relating the entire history of the beautiful
edifice erected to be the abiding place of the state officials,
reciting all from corner-stone to dome, including the dedica-
tion exercises. It would seem a remarkable co-incidence
that the state institution especially designed to preserve the
history of the new building and its occupants should be the
first to hold a meeting in it, but such was the case. This
meeting is spoken of in one of the local papers as follows:

"When the Montana historian comes to write the history
of the capitol that is now nearing completion, he will write
that the first meeting of a state board to be held in the hand-
some building was that of the board of trustees of the his-
torical and miscellaneous department of the Montana State

HISTi >lili 'A I. Si m'IKTY <>F M< l.NTANA

Library, and that the meeting was held Saturday, April 19,
1902.

"That it came to pass just this way was due not to any
design on the part of the trustees, but to a circumstance over
which they had no control. In short, it was because of the
failure of a carriage to arrive at the time it was expected."

The following is a list of the incorporators of the Society,
among whom only three are now living :

H. L. Hosmer, C. P. Higgins, John Owen, James Stuart,
W. F. Sanders, Malcolm Clark, F. M. Thompson, William
Graham, Granville Stuart, W. W. DeLacy, C. E. Irvine and
Charles S. Bagg. The three living are W. F. Sanders, Gran-
ville Stuart and F. M. Thompson.

In the list of active members, including the incorporators,
are many who have been honored by both commonwealth and
government, as Chief Justice Hosmer, U. S. Senator Sanders,
Hon. Granville Stuart, Minister to Paraguay, W. W. DeLacy
and others.

Among the things that have militated against the progress
of the Society are tha frequent removals of its collection, two
disastrous fires and lack of funds. The Society has suffered,
too, from the opposition or indifference of some who call its
work a mere sentiment. Is it not a sentiment of the highest
type to preserve the acts and words of the brave and high-
minded, the noble, the self-sacrificing men and women who
laid the foundation of our great commonwealth? Although
it has not accomplished all its friends and members desire,
it may yet do great things for the state. Its work seems to
be growing in favor and its aims better understood.

Now that we are in a permanent home of our own, it would
seem the proper time had come to reorganize the Historical
Society's membership list, to establish a plan for active mem-
bers. While the law provides that five trustees shall have
the management of the historical department, yet a great
duty by that law devolves upon the librarian that could be so
much more successfully prosecuted by a body of literary men
and women selected from the scholars and bright minds of

PREFACE

the state. Members of the Historical Society, formed now,
would be free from the financial worries and cares which so
embarrassed the Society in territorial days, as the state pro-
vides entirely for its support. The members would be free
to devote their time and thought to the gathering- and formu-
lating of historic data regarding the various avenues of the
state's interests. The Society could be conducted upon a
similar plan to that of the American Historical Society.

The act of incorporation of the American Historical Soci-
ety refers to itself as "a body corporate and politic, by the
name of the American Historical Association, for the promo-
tion of historical studies, the collection and preservation of
historical manuscripts, and for kindred purposes in the inter-
est of American history and of history in America."

The librarian could act as secretary, and the meetings be
held in the historical library rooms, where all papers and
archives should be preserved. A membership of one hundred
literarv men and women would soon be able to collect a
splendid mass of historic matter for future volumes. Not
only could the pioneer history of the state be gathered to
special advantage, but research along special lines could be
most ably conducted. If the history of our frontier life, the
development of mines and mining, irrigation, manufacture,
agriculture, stock raising, the state's botany, were each
written or collected by the member best informed on that
particular subject, the Society would have at no distant date
a collection of valuable material for a comprehensive history
of Montana, a work sadly needed.

We are indebted to the following well known photographers
who contributed to the illustrations in this volume : Messrs.
William Taylor, Swaim, Ridgely, Mattison and Mrs. Maud
Davis Baker. Senator James N. Kelly furnished a number
of photographs to illustrate the Custer manuscript. We
have been verv fortunate in securing the assistance of Miss
Mary A. Stokes in the preparation of the manuscript and as
proof reader. LAURA E. HOWEY,

Secretarv and Librarian.

OFFICERS

OF THE

HISTORICAL SOCIETY

OF MONTANA
1903

President,

MASSENA BULLARD,

Helena, Montana.

Librarian and Secretary,

LAURA E. HOWET,

Helena, Montana.

Board of Trustees,
MASSENA BULLARD, CORNELIUS HEDGES, JR.,

W. B. CULLEN, JR.. DAVID HILGER,

GRANVILLE STUART,

OFFICERS

OF THE

HISTORICAL SOCIETY

OF MONTANA.

1901 - 1902.

President,
WILLIAM B. HUNDLEY,
Helena, Montana.

Librarian and Secretary,
LAURA E. HOWEY,
Helena, Montana.

Board of Trustees.
MASS EN A BULLARD, S. C. GILPATRICK,

T. C.v CUMMINGS, WILLIAM B. HUNDLEY,

GRANVILLE STUART.

10 1 1 1ST' • KM 'A I, SOCIIOTY <>K .MONTANA

TRANSACTIONS.

Minutes of meeting of Trustees of Historical Library of
Montana, held in rooms of County Commissioners, Wednes-
day, Dec. 7th, 1898.

Meeting called to order by the President at 8 p. m. Pres-
ent: Win. B. Hundley, A. J. Craven, C. O. Reed.

Meeting was called for the purpose of hearing the biennial
report of the library prepared by the librarian, Mrs. Howey.
It was read and considered, but no action taken. Adjourn-
ed to meet Saturday at 11 a. m. in the library.

Wm. B. HUNDLEY, President.
A. J. CRAVEN, Sec. Pro Tern.

Saturday, Dec. 10th, 1898.

Meeting called to order 11 a. m. Present : Colonel Hundley,
T. C. Bach, A. J. Craven and C. O. Reed.

The consideration of the biennial report was the special
business. As it had been read on Wednesday evening, Dec.
7, to three members of the Board, and carefully considered
by them, Mr. Bach moved the report of the Librarian for
1897-8 be accepted. Mr. C. O. Reed was appointed a com-
mittee to see to the publishing of it.

Adjourned to meet at call of the President.

Wm. B. HUNDLEY, President.
T. C. BACH, Secretary.

Minutes of a meeting of the Trustees of the Historical De-
partment of the State Library, Dec. 15th, 1898.

Thursday, Dec. 15th, 1898.

A called meeting of the Trustees met at the library prompt-
ly at 10 a. m. Present : Wm. B. Hundley, C. O. Reed, A. J.
Craven.

TRANSACTIONS. 11

The chairman called the meeting- to order. Mr. Craven
suggested the Librarian act as temporary Secretary in the
absence of Mr. Bach. A committee consisting of Mr. Reed
and the Librarian was appointed to see to the printing of
500 copies of the biennial report, urging the necessity of
having it completed by Jan. 1st. The binding of the State
newspapers was deferred.

Mr. Craven reported that he had seen the architect of the
Capitol building, who said he would visit the present quarters
and see what was needed in the way of wall space. Mr.
Craven said he would report further progress at next meet-
ing.

The proposition to accept the custody of Mr. Muth's min-
eral collection (with the privilege of buying) was next con-
sidered and decided favorably. Mr. Muth's offer to go into
the field to secure material for the library, asking no com-
pensation, simply expenses, was looked upon with favor, but
no action taken. Left for future consideration.

Mr. Craven suggested that the Librarian formulate a let-
ter to be sent to the school districts in the State, setting
forth the merits of Vol. II., Contributions to the Historical
Society, price, etc., urging them for the good of the children
of the State to purchase it.

Mr. Carseley's plan to sell two historic paintings was pre-
sented, but no action taken. Meeting adjourned to meet at
the call of the President.

Wm. B. HUNDLEY, President.
LAURA E. HOWEY, Secretary Pro Tern.

Thursday, March 2, 1899.

Meeting called to order at 11 a. m. Present: Wm. B. Hund-
ley, C. O. Reed, A, J, Craven.

Minutes of previous meeting read and approved. The
Governor having reappointed the members of the Board,
Feb. 14th, on motion of A. J. Craven, seconded by Mr. Reed,
the following officers were chosen : Col. Wm. B. Hundlev,

12 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

President; T. C. Bach, Secretary. The election of librarian
was next taken up. An application from the present librar-
ian was received. On motion of Mr. Reed, seconded by Mr.
( Jraven, Mrs. Laura E. Howey was elected to serve for a term
of two years beginning March 1st, 189 >, for which honor she
briefly thanked the Board.

Owing to a. pressing business engagement of Mr. Craven's,
the Board adjourned to meet at the call of the President,

Wm. B. HUNDLEY, President.
LAURA E. TTOWEY, Sec. Pro Tern.

March 13th, 1899.

Meeting called to order at 10:30 a. m. All members pres-
ent except James Forbis, of Bntte.

Minutes of Oct. 27th and March 2d read and approved.
Report for the quarter ending March 1st presented by the
Librarian, showing the state of the library to date, read and
ordered tiled. The following standing committees were ap-
pointed to serve with the Librarian: Mr. C. O. Reed on
binding books, papers, pamphlets, etc. ; Mr. A. J. Craven on
editing and publishing Vol. III., Contributions to the His-
torical Society of Montana ; Mr. T. C. Bach on the purchase
of new books, curios, relics, etc.

A general discussion then ensued on the topics pertaining
to the good of the library, particularly the necessity of
economy in binding papers, as the whole appropriation was
rot sufficient to cover needed expenditures. Letters were
read from Superintendent of Public Documents, relative to
exchange of duplicates; also from Mrs. Ronan and Major
Allen, stating they would hold Indian curios until an effort
could be made to raise the money by private subscription for
the purchase of them.

REPORT OF LIBRARIAN.

Cases.— Ten new book cases added, 1 gun rack, 2 cases re-
paired and lined for Major Allen's Indian relics, 1 case of

TRANSACTIONS.

minerals ( Win. Math's), 1 case of shells (Mrs. Math's),

oases for newspapers moved and doors taken off.

Xew Furniture. — Granville Stuart collection removed to
front rooms; 1 willow sofa. 3 willow chairs. 3 tables. 2 car-
pets, returned from the Omaha fair, given by Governor Smith
to the Library ; 2 chairs from secretary's garret.

Letters for Manuscript, Journals, Etc. — 1200 letters writ-
ten, 700 to trustees of schools for sale of Vol. II, 24 pictures,
maps and diplomas framed, 300 new books added : 70 vol-
umes of Vol. II. disposed of by sale, exchange and donation ;
$60 collected.

One hundred and fifty-four specimens from Smithsonian
received and installed.

We are under obligations to Mr. Starz for bottles for
shells.

Meeting adjourned subject to call of the President.

WM. B. HUXDLEY, President.
LAURA E. HOWEY, Secretary.

Meeting called June 1st. Xo quorum. Present : Colonel
Hundley and Mr. Craven. Adjourned to meet June 20th,
1899.

Tuesday, June 20th. 1S99.

The meeting of the trustees of the Historical Society of
the State of Montana was called to order at 10:30 a. m. in
the rooms of the society. Present: Colonel Hundley, A. J.
Craven and Major Maginnis, the new member appointed by
the Governor to the place of Mr. Thos. Bach, resigned.

After the minutes of March 15th were read and approved,
the President proceeded to appoint Major Maginnis to fill
the place in committee work held by Mr. Bach, namely the
purchase of books, curios, relics, etc. The election of a sec-
retary of the Board in place of Mr. Bach, resigned. was the
next order of business. Mr. Craven nominated the Librarian.
which was concurred in bv the other members of the Board.

The report of the Librarian for the quarter ending June

II HISTOKICA1- SOCIETY OF MONTANA

1st was read, showing a steady growth in the books received,
increased interest muni Tested bv the great number of visitors
reported, and the many valuable contributions to the mu-
seum, as well as the larger demand for information from the
material on the shelves. Almost 700 visitors have registered
in the past six months, 783 books received by exchange, pur-
chase and donation, 450 volumes of duplicates sent to State
colleges. The manuscripts received from several sources, —
namely, biographical sketches of Colonel Wheeler, Mr. Hick-
man and Mrs. Fergus. Two more new book cases added,
and one table. Nineteen pieces framed and 3 old newspapers
framed.

The committee was instructed to proceed as rapidly as
possible with Volume III. The Librarian requested to close
contract for the binding of newspapers at $1.25 per volume,
tc have them bound in a hundred volumes if possible. She
was authorized also to pay for the "Northwest" $4.00.
Major Maginnis requested the librarian to write to Wash*
ington for messages and papers of the Presidents from 1789
to 1897, and to secure if possible all magazines with articles
bearing on Montana. Major Maginnis was requested to see
Matt Carroll and James Gourley in regard to manuscripts
bearing on early days. Adjourned.

WM. B. HUNDLEY, President.
LAURA E. HOWEY, Secretary.

Meeting called Sept. 15th, 1899. No quorum. Colonel
Hundley and Mr. Craven present. Report of the Librarian
on Pioneer meeting laid over, also bill of stenographer for
proceedings of Pioneer meeting, and reports and bills of
newspapers bound, pamphlets, etc.

Meeting called Dec. 20, 1899. No one present but Colonel
Hundley. Major Maginnis east, C. O. Reed in Bozeman on
State business, Mr. A. J. Craven in court room on legal bus-
iness.

TRANSACTIONS. 15

Jan. 3d, 1000.

Meeting of Trustees of the Montana Historical Library
held in their rooms Jan. 3d, 1900, 10 a. m. Present : Colonel
FTundley, A. J. Craven, C. O. Reed.

The minutes of the June meeting read and approved. As
there had been no meeting held in September nor December,
the report of the Librarian on the state of the library and of
the visit to the meeting of the Pioneers, Aug. 29th, was order-
ed placed on file.

Mr. McHaffie, of the State Publishing Company, was pres-
ent to give figures on the cost of Vol. III.

A resolution was presented by Mr. Craven and seconded
by Mr. Reed that the manuscript of Win. Hamilton of Colum-
bus, Mont., a pioneer of 1858, be purchased and that $100 be
appropriated for that purpose. The Secretary was instruct-
ed to take the necessary steps for the payment of it. The
manuscript, after careful reading by each member was pro-
nounced a very valuable addition to the archives of the so-
ciety, being an account of a trip from Walla Walla to what
is now Montana in 1858, sent by Colonel Wright as Indian
scout and trader.

The committee on Vol. III. reported progress and asked
further time. Many suitable pictures with which to illus-
trate the book had been received after considerable corres-
pondence with different citizens of Montana and other States.
Among these are pictures of Major Culbertson, C. P. Chou-
teau, F. M. Thompson, who was the originator of our State
seal, and a member of the first legislature of the Territory
of Montana, a picture of old Fort Benton, photographs of
Colonel Wheeler and Chas. Ruinley, former librarians. It
was a matter of deep regret to the Board that material on the
pioneer women and pioneer school teachers had proved so
difficult to gather. It was deemed best to defer these chap-
ters to Vol. IV.

No further business being before the Board it adjourned to
meet at the call of the President.

WM. B. HUNDLEY, President,

LAURA E. HOWEY, Secretary.

16 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OP MONTANA

Helena, Mont, March 17th, 1900.

The Board of Trustee of the Historical Library met in the
library at 10 a. m. Present: Col. Wm. B. Hundley, Presi-
dent; A. J. Craven, and Granville Stuart.

The minutes of Jan. 3d read and approved. The report
of Sept. 189 ) of the Librarian ordered filed.

The Board welcomed the member recently appointed in
place of Mr. Forbis, resigned. Expressions of approval were
heard from each member for the Governor's wise selection
of Hon. Granville Stuart, a man who had so long been an
officer and a valued member of the Historical Society, and
who had rendered such great assistance in the publication
of Vols. I and II., returned to the Board just in time to do
valiant service for the cause.

The first order of business was the reading of the report
of the committee upon the material chosen for Vol. III. The
report was read by Mr. Craven. After its adoption some dis-
cussion took place about a second edition of Vol. I. The
Librarian reported many calls for it, particularly from east-
ern societies and individuals. It was the sentiment of the
Board, although not expressed in resolution, that the legis-
lature should be asked for an appropriation to publish five
hundred copies of it.

The Board decided upon 750 copies of Vol. Ill, type
and paper like Vol. I. The committee was instructed to
push the work as rapidly as possible. A bill for typewriting
old manuscript and Hamilton manuscript for Vol. Ill was
allowed of $140.

The figures submitted for publication of Vol. Ill were as
follows: 400 page book, $539.40; 16 cuts, $45.00. These
are approximate figures.

The meeting adjourned to meet at the call of the Presi-
dent.

WM. B. HUNDLEY, President

LAURA E. HOWEY, Secretary.

Meeting called for Sept. 27th, 1900. No quorum.

TRANSACTIONS. 17

Meeting called for Dec. 1st, 1900, to hear biennial report
of Librarian read. No quorum. Present: Colonel Hundley
and A. J. Craven. Granville Stuart sick with grippe. Mr.
C. O. Reed and Major Maginnis absent from the State.

Helena, Mont., Jan. 23d, 1001.

A special meeting of the Board convened at 10 a. m., pur-
suant to call of the President. Present: Granville Stuart,
A. J. Craven, Win. B. Hundley.

The minutes of the last meeting read and approved. The
Librarian reported that Vol. III. was printed aud that she
had received from the publishers 135 bound copies, and that
the rest of the 750 volumes would be bound and delivered
within the next few days. Mr. Craven and the Librarian
were appointed a committee to arrange a schedule of plan
for distribution, and report same at 1 :30 p. m. Adjourned
until that time.

1 :30 p. m. — On motion duly approved, the distribution of
said Vol. III. was provided for as follows : Until the future
order of the Board, said volume shall be distributed with-
out charge as follows :

1. To each of the officers of the Pioneer Society of Mon-
tana, one copy.

2. One copy to each of the former officers of the Histori-
cal Society, and three copies to each of the members of the
Board of Trustees of the Historical Library.

3. To the State officers, one copy each.

4. To each person whose contribution is published there-
in, one copy.

5. One copy each to the various literary institutions creat-
ed by the State for higher education which have libraries, and
to colleges and universities within the State conducted by pri-
vate enterprise.

6. One copy to each newspaper that heretofore has con-
tributed and now contributes such paper to the library of
the Historical Department.

IS HlSTi >lili".\ I. SOCIKTY I >F Ml 'NT ANA

7. To each Historical Society of the United States which
lias heretofore furnished this library with its publications,
or which may hereafter agree to furnish the same.

8. To all libraries in the State by municipalities sup-
ported by the public funds, and to such other libraries in
the State open to the public as in the judgment of the Librar-
ian would be worthy recipients.

9. To each senator and representative in the congress
of the United States from the State of Montana.

10. To the libraries of such other States as are publish-
ing historical contributions and furnish the same to the His-
torical Library of Montana.

11. To each of the Government Department Libraries
sending us its documents, and in addition to the foregoing,
the librarian is hereby authorized to send one copy of Vol.
III. of the Contributions to each person, firm or corporation
that has contributed or hereafter may contribute books, his-
torical contributions or objects of historic value, touching on
the early history of Montana ami the adjacent country, if in
her judgment such contributions are deemed worthy of such
recognition.

It was decided that until further order of the Board the
remainder of said volumes may be sold by the Librarian for
$2.50 per volume.

It was the sense of the Board that Vol. IV. should be
published during the coming year if the duties of the Librar-
ian incident upon the removal of the library to the Capitol
building would permit the time required for its prepara-
tion.

The Librarian reported $25.00 had been received for sale

of books and deposited in the American National Bank.

Further reported that two accession books had been ordered

,and received from the library bureau of Chicago; price paid,

$5.00 per volume.

The following financial statement was submitted by the
Librarian :

TRANSACTIONS. 19

EXPENSE ACCOUNT.

Since the biennial report was made we have received
from the sale of books and deposited in the Ameri-
can National Bank the sum of $25.00

EXPENDITURES.

Accession books $10.00

To Mr. Lebkicher 13.00

To Box Rent at Postonice 1.50

To Telephone to Butte 35

To Copyright of Vol. Ill 60

To Drayage of Books 50

Total $25.95

Adjourned to meet at call of President.

WM. B. HUNDLEY, President.
LAURA E. HOWEY, Secretary.

Saturday, April 13th, 1901.
The special meeting of the Board of Trustees of the His-
torical Library was called to order at 2 p. m. in the rooms
of the Library. Present, of the old Board : Mr. A. J. Craven
and Wm. B. Hundley; Granville Stuart absent because of

•J s

illness. Of the new members: Mr. S. C. Gilpatrick was pres-
ent, but Mr. T. C. Cummings was absent in St, Paul on bus-
iness.

The minutes of Jan. 23d read and approved. The re-organ-
ization of the Board being the principal business of the meet-
ing, the Secretary reported the following members and date
of Commissions:

A. J. Craven, March 9th; Wm. B. Hundley, March 14th;
T. C. Cummings, March 11th; Granville Stuart, March 16th;
S. C. Gilpatrick, April 1st.

The next step was the election of officers for the ensuing-
two years. Mr. Craven placed in nomination for President
Col. Wm. B. Hundley. Motion seconded by Mr. Gilpatrick,
and carried.

The nominatiou of Mrs. Laura E. Howev for Librarian

20 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

was made by Mr. Craven, seconded by Mr. Gilpatrick, and
carried. The Librarian reported that U. S. Senator William
A. Clark, of Butte, had purchased the Major Allen collec-
tion, loaned for so many years to the State, paying the sum
of $800, and presented it to the Historical Library. There-
upon a vote of thanks was extended to Mr. Clark for his
thoughtful consideration of the needs of the library in this
act of generosity.

Mr. Gilpatrick was appointed a committee to look over
manuscript on hand and recommend what should be pub-
lished in Vol. IV.

The Librarian reported that she had secured $10,000 in-
surance which was obtained hy the Secretary of State from
the proper authorities. That she had purchased muslin to
cover the newspapers so that they would not be SO' faded
during the hot summer months. That she had expended
$3.39 to Northern Pacific Express and $5.15 to Great North-
ern Express Company for sending books, and had authorized
the payment of the balance of the money due to the Burrough
Bros, for the set of Jesuit Relations.

On motion the Board adjourned to meet at the call of the
President.

WM. B. HUNDLEY, President.
LAURA E. HOWEY, Secretary.

LIFE OF HENRY SIBLEY WHEELER.

IN MEMORIAM.

HENRY SIBLEY WHEELER.

Born June 18, 1867, at Columbus, Ohio.

Died at Helena, Montana, October 29, 1895.

The subject of this brief sketch was the sou of Col. W. F.
Wheeler, long time U. S. Marshal of Montana and for many
years one of the best known and most active officers of the
State.

His son, Harry, came to the tearitory when only three
years old, and here his brief life was spent. His education
was received in the public schools of Helena, from the High
School department of which he graduated in 1885, being one
of two boys, who were the first to complete the High School
course in this city.

He was always of a studious disposition, of a quiet, mod-

22 llisn (RiCAL S< »CIBTT OF M' »NTANA

est, unobtrusive nature, but diligent, attentive and exemp-
lary in the performance of every school duty, and made rapid
progress in his studies. He seems to have attained manhood
prematurely. There was no frivolity about him. Life was a
serious thing to him. While social among his fellows he had
no taste or disposition to acquire any of the vicious habits
that are so common among many of the younger generation
and to which there are so many temptations and so few re-
straints.

For five years after graduation he was in the surveying-
department of the Great Northern Railway both on the main
line and its branches, devoting all his leisure to scientific
studies, whicli were his delight. Following this inclination
he took a course of special study in civil engineering for two
years at the University of Michigan. After this he assisted
his father, who was Librarian of the Historical Society, and
proved so efficient and devoted to the interests of the Society
that upon his father's death the Trustees without hesita-
tion appointed him librarian. Under him, almost entirely,
.Vol. II. of the Society's publications was compiled and edit-
ed.

His early death was regarded as a misfortune by the
Trustees who had learned to appreciate his rare qualities to
serve the interests of such an institution, with every depart-
ment of which he had become a master-
In 1891: he was honored by the members of the Alumni
Association of the Helena High ' School by being chosen
President, and he was also an esteemed member of the So-
ciety of Montana Civil Engineers.

His useful and honorable career which, had so much of
promise for greater success was suddenly cut short by
death.

His funeral services were conducted from St. Peter's
Episcopal Church, Rev. W. W. Love officiating, and his body
was borne to burial in Forestvale Cemetery by school-mates
and followed by a cortege of mourning friends.

Thus ended his brief career in the world, but he left a bright
example which is dearly cherished by all who knew him.

CORNELIUS HEDGES.

LAYING THE CORNER-STONE OP THE CAPITOL. 23

LAYING THE CORNER-STONE

OF THE

CAPITOL.

ADDRESS OF J. K. TOOLE, JULY 4, 1899, HELENA, MONTANA.

Friends and Fellow Citizens:

These extraordinary ceremonies have a personal as well
as a public interest to nie. They recall the fact that ten years
ago on the 22nd day of last February, and while I had the
honor to represent the Territory of Montana at the national
capital as its delegate in Congress, Grover Cleveland, then
President of the United States, approved the bill that enabl-
ed Montana to become a sovereign state in the Union. The
qualified electors then inhabiting the Territory of Montana
subsequently complied with all the requirements of that en-
abling act, including the adoption, in convention called for
that purpose, of a constitution republican in form. At the
same time they disclaimed by ordinance all right and title to
the unappropriated public lands within the proposed state
and accepted the several grants of land from the general
government, including that which made it possible to lay
the corner-stone of the building about to be erected on this
sightly spot. In the meantime Benjamin Harrison had suc-
ceeded to the presidency, and upon his proclamation, Novem-
ber 8, 1889, Montana became one of the United States of
America, if not in fact, theoretically at least, on an equal
footing with the original states. The glad tidings of that
historic event reached us about noon of the same day, the
first official announcement being contained in the following
telegram :

-1 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

Executive Mansion, Washington, D. C, Nov. 8, 1889.
"To HON. JOS. K. TOOLE,

"Governor of the State of Montana,
"Helena, Montana.

"The President signed and issued the proclamation de-
claring Montana a state in the Union at 10 o'clock and 40
minutes this morning.

"JAMES G. BLAINE,
"Secretary of State."

From that supreme hour, when we laid away forever our
territorial robes and donned the "stately stoles" of sovereign-
ty to this glad day, we have looked forward with increasing
pride and abiding interest to the time when the construction
of the State Capitol would be inaugurated. If, at times, we
have appeared anxious concerning necessary legislation, and
impatient of untoward events which seemed to conspire
against the speedy fruition of long deferred hopes and jnst
expectations, state pride will furnish our ample excuse, if
not our complete vindication. In all these years, however,
we have gathered consolation from the teaching of the sages
that all things come to those who bide their time. Our re-
ward is finally in sight, and so we hail to-day the laying of
this corner-stone. Without such a building no state is fully
equipped to perform its functions, not because of its intrinsic
value ; not because there is much about its plans and specifi-
cations to admire from an artistic point of view, but chiefly
because it is the property of the State and soon to be dedi-
cated to universal liberty and eternal justice. It will be to
the State what the homestead is to the citizen, what the Pre-
side is to the family. In common parlance, it will be kn )\vn
as the "State House." It ought to be the impregnable fort-
ress of the commonwealth, the invulnerable forum of the peo-
ple. Here should repose the honor and conscience of he
State by which its citizenship shall be judged and measured
and its glory achieved and preserved. Here will be installed
the Legislative, Executive and Judicial departments of the
State, which according to our theory of government are

LAYING THE CORNER-STONE OF THE CAPITOL. 25

separate, distinct and independent, each performing its own
peculiar functions within its own appointed sphere and all
moving forward in unison under the attestation of the Great
Seal as harmoniously, peacefully and majestically as a proud
ship upon the bosom of the ocean.

Apropos of this device to authenticate the authority • f the
State, I cannot refrain from saying that I never behold the
sordid superscription which defaces the great seal of this
State without a sense of shame and a feeling of indignation
for so base a sentiment. "Oro y plata;" gold and silver. As
a cheap advertisement to lure the guileless immigrant, it is
artistic and unique. It is, however, too materialistic to in-
spire a great thought or encourage a noble deed. It is too
suggestive of the mercenary precept of Iago, to "put money,
in thy purse." It is too much calculated to make the acqui-
sition of money the overmastering passion of life. 'It is at
variance with the exclamation of Solomon, who attained
something of a reputation as a Avise man in his day and gen-
eration. "HowT much better," said he, "to get wisdom than
gold, and to get understanding, rather to be chosen than
silver." Bv these observations, I would not have it inferred
that wealth honestly acquired and wisely expended is not de-
sirable both by the State and the citizen. What I would in-
veigh against is the too prevalent disposition to make it the
"vade mecum" of this world and the next. If we would es-
tablish a higher standard of morals for the coming genera-
tion than the mere lust of lucre, if we would have our chil-
dren see something more in the running brook than so many
millsites and water rights, more in the spreading tree than
so many cords of wood, more in the setting sun than so many
"candle power," more in the "lowing kine" and "sporting
lamb" than so many pounds of beef and mutton, more in the
landscape than so many corner lots, more in the performance
of official duty than the mere emoluments of office; if, final-
ly, we would endeavor by precept and example to establish
and maintain a government of which poets have dreamed and

lliSTollh Al> SoCIIOTY OK AH iXTAXA

prophets spoken, the first important step in that direction
admonishes us to obliterate that pernicious phrase "Oro y
plata" from the Great Seal of this State. If all of us should
not recognize the truth of the statement found in Holy Writ
that the love of money is the root of all evil, we nevertheless
will shrink from longer retaining that undesirable exotic,
because it is Spanish in origin, Spanish in language, and
Spanish in sentiment, and we will unite with one accord in
remitting it forever to that unhappy land which has brought
desolation and death to hundreds of thousands of its own
people and filled its trenches with the rich blood of so many
American soldiers. If I should be permitted on this occas-
ion to suggest a substitute for such a sinister sentiment, a
motto to be hung high upon the pretentious walls of each
department of the State, to be seen and observed of all men
in all time, I would venture to offer this :

No tyrannical sentiment can intimidate,
No gilded bribes seduce.

To the courageous and honest legislator, to the intrepid
and upright executive, to the fearless and just judge, it
would be "by day a cloud, by night a pillar of fire" to guide
and rule his course and conduct, while to the weak and venal,
the trembling and subservient, the vain and vacillating, if
by chance such should ever enter here, it ought to be a per-
petual admonition of doom.

He is neither a wise man, nor an astute observer of the
events which follow political autonomy, who imagines or
feigns to believe that the grandeur and story of a state is re-
flected only in the character or dimensions of her public
buildings, by the number of dollars expended in their erec-
tion, b}' their architectural beauty, or by the convenience and
elegance of their appointments. These are desirable and
even necessary considerations which modern civilization
commends and enlightened judgment approves, but they are
not all. The great paramount and indispensable condition of
statehood is the same to-day and will be the same forever as
it was when Sir William Jones wrote these immortal lines:

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LAYING THE CORNER-STONE OP THE CAPITOL. 27

"What constitutes a State?
Not high-raised battlements or labored mound,

Thick wall or moated gate,
Not cities proud, with spires and turrets crowned,

Not bays and broad-armed ports,
Where laughing at the storm rich navies ride;

Not starred and spangled courts,
Where low-browed baseness wafts perfume to pride;

No ! Men, high-minded men ;

*****

Men who their duties know,
But know their rights; and knowing, dare maintain,

* * * a *

These constitute a State."

Upon such men as these rests the responsibility to protect
and preserve the cherished blessing which admission into
the Union guaranteed. Cicero declared that "There is noth-
ing in which human virtue approaches nearer to the divinity
of the gods than to found new states or to preserve those al-
ready founded."

In time of war we are apt in our just admiration of mili-
tary and naval heoroes to assume that the life and exploits
of a soldier or sailor fighting for his country's flag furnish
the only field in which true patriotism is displayed. All
honor to the men who march to martial music, who man the
guns and tread the decks ; all honor to the hosts of regulars
and volunteers who respond to their country's call, who
triumph in the art of arms or fall in the front of battle ; but
let it not be forgotten that 'peace hath her victories no less
renowned than war." Let it not be forgotten that patriotism
is as indispensable in the capitol as in the tented field and
flaming fleer. If this plain postulate be successfully denied,
short indeed will be the time when we shall be called upon
to verify the sad lament of the pessimistic poet that history
has but one page, which reads,

"First freedom, then glory, then corruption, then decay."

Let us turn for a moment from the State to the Nation.
Our Avar with Spain undertaken a little over a year ago has
been fought and won. The result has called forth the plaud-

28 llisn (RICAL Si m'IIOTY OF MONTANA

its of a Christian civilization. Cuba has been freed from the
curse of Spanish tyranny and injustice. "The Queen of the
Antilles" is recuperating her spent energies, her people are
laying down their arms, returning to the pursuits of peace,
accepting the provisions made, by Congress as compensation
for military services, and everything- is being done to bring-
about a condition of affairs which will result in giving her
an independent government of her own choosing in due time.
Meanwhile person and property is secure under the protect-
ing aegis of the stars and stripes. The soldiers and sailors
who accomplished that great work and the strong public
sentiment which fortified them had no thought of conquest
or individual gain. The tragic story of the struggle in which
they were engaged recalled our own grievances against the
mother country and our consequent war for independence.
Every American heart wras stirred with sympathy and every
energy and effort of the nation was bent on speedy and per-
manent relief.

Without descending into the details of events so recent
as to be familiar to all, suffice it to say, that notwithstand-
ing America has had her Revolution, her Bunker Hill and
Yorktown, it remained for Dewey at Manilla, Schley at San-
tiago, Lawton, Chaffee, Ludlow and Roosevelt, and a host of
others, at El Caney and San Juan Hill to put the capstone on
our monument of military and naval achievements. Our
success in the Philippines, where we have been obliged to de-
fend our flag against a war of the insurgents, since the sur-
render of Spain, has not been as marked or decisive as we
would wish, but it is inevitable. Although differences of
opinion may prevail in this country about the policy of our
government respecting the future disposition and govern-
ment of these unhappy inslands, there is not a loyal heart
in this broad land that does not beat responsive to every
honest effort, on the part of the commander-in-chief of the
army and navy to bring this war to a speedy and successful
termination. This young State was the first to furnish her
quota of the brave men whose proud renown will be embalm-

LAYING THE CORNER-STONE OE THE CAPITOL. 29

eel in poetry and song-. Some are buried in that land of
blazing- suns, and some have gone to the bottom of the deep.
Some are wounded and maimed for life, while others, with
broken health and shattered constitutions are languishing in
dismal swamps or rallying on the firing line, sustained and
encouraged by the consciousness that

"Freedom's battle once begun,
Bequeathed from bleeding sire to son,
Though baffled oft, is always won."

Yielding nothing of fixed opinion concerning the future
polic3r of the federal government respecting the Philippines,
but remembering only that this war is our war, and that the
soldiers and sailors who are carrying our flag onward and
onward in the face of the enemy are our soldiers and our
sailors, the one thing now needed is an earnest, unanimous,
abiding resolution that the army and navy shall have all the
encouragement and aid, moral and material, which a patrio-
otic people can give and a plethoric purse supply, and then,
fellow-citizens, rest assured that the result will be as grand
as the American nation and worthy of that republic which,
since its birth, has made no peace but under the banner of
victory. Let us then on this pregnant day make the welkin
ring with the glad song of a united people.

"Together, shouts Niagara, her thunder-tone decree;
Together, echo back the waves upon the Mexic sea;
Together, cry the people, and together it shall be,
An everlasting charter-bond forever for the free."

In the midst of these important and impressive ceremonies
it is not out of place here and now to invoke universal inter-
est and vigilance on behalf of those whose lives and property,
whose hopes and happiness are committed to the care and
keeping of this great State. Already the trend of the times
is toward the combination of great business interests, upon
a scale unprecedented in the history of nations. What the
result will be, remains to be seen. This condition of things
is defined bv Webster under the title "corner" as

30 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

"The slide of things produced by a combination of persons
who buy up the whole or the available part of any stock or
species of property which compels those who need such stock
or property to pay them at their own price."

Without undertaking to fix the paternity of these formid-
able engines of oppression which are wholly one-sided in
their operations and results and bear the same relation to
trade and commerce that "sure thing games" sustain to
gambling, and which cannot be mentioned in the same breath
or classified in the same category with "three card monte"
without elevating that ancient and seductive vice to the
dignity of a game of chance, it is a significant fact that up to
this natal day of the nation no political party has been found
reckless enough to claim them as its progeny or willing to di-
vide the responsibility for their precarious future. They
have been likened by one writer to a pyramid with its apex
downward which will in time topple over crushing them be-
neath its weight of ruin. It is only fair to say that others
profess to see in this stupendous aggregation of wealth no
cause for alarm. But as for me, I confess that when I be-
hold the spectre of thousands of powerful corporations cast-
ing its grim shadow over this great nation, destroying with
its poisonous touch the individualism of the citizen, contract-
ing and circumscribing the field for personal endeavor and
private enterprise, I am impressed with the approach of a
public calamity so wide spread and appalling that I wish I
might summon a trumpet tongue to speak a word of warn-
ing to those who have been too blind to see its insidious com-
ing, or too deaf to hear its ominous rumble.

Our progress as a nation has been phenomenal. The pro-
digious strides in mechanical ingenuity and resources are
everywhere admitted to be due, in a great measure, to the
open field of fair competition of talent and energy which, in
the past, has existed to a large degree in the various avoca-
tions of life. But under the new order of things this long
established course is rapidly changing, and henceforth com*

LAYING THE CORNER-STONE OP THE CAPITOL. 31

petitive force is to be eliminated and, in its place and stead,
the immaculate trust is to thrive and prosper.

There are some wise men bold enough to insist that these
stupendous combinations of capital are the offspring of
humane impulses exclusively, and that they are designed
solely to ameliorate the sufferings of mankind by cheapen-
ing the cost of production and hence, according to their phil-
osophic conclusions, reducing the cost of living. Many of
the so-called benefactors of mankind who lived in other days
appear to have been made of the same clay as some of those of
the present time, and like the latter did not always hang a
lantern over the pit they dug.

History records that "Athens, splendid, ivy crowned, poet
sung, world renowned Athens, talked eloquently of human
rights with her sandaled foot upon the neck of four hundred
thousand slaves, and worshipped devoutly in glorious temples
dedicated to 'the unknown God'; and Borne, in her lust of
dominion, in the realization of her 'manifest destiny,' became
the bloated oppressor of the world."

In the light of history, then, we may be pardoned if in our
ignorance or incredulity, some of us should take issue with
the incorporated humanitarians and seek to prevent that
which, in our judgment, will destroy competition, limit pro-
duction, restrain trade and raise prices, for the sole purpose
of adding to the wealth of the few and the poverty of the
many. But, happily for us, if these forbodings should ever
materialize, they cannot long endure under our form of
government.

"In the corrupted currents of this world
Offences' gilded hand may shove by Justice,"

but sooner or later the remedy will be secured. In a "govern-
ment of the people, by the people, and for the people," pub-
lic servants can always be found, if sought, who will vindi-
cate the right.

Monsters find apt representation in fables as the Children
of Night. Let us hope that such as I have mentioned will
retire as the light of learning spreads and the courage of con-

82 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

viction assorts 1 1 self, and that it may be said of them as of
other spectres that they flutter with the dawn and vanisli
with the sunrise.

Upon this and other great questions the need of the time is
the courage of conviction. The chiefest glory of the closing
century will be most resplendent in the men who will not
bend to every shifting breeze of so-called public sentiment,
who will not yield to the tyranny of corporate greed, who will
not bow to the "cross of gold/' but deeming themselves re-
lated to every human being, consecrate themselves to truth
and justice, liberty and equality, the four corner stones upon
which our national edifice is founded.

Nowhere more than in this building soon to be completed
will be sown the seeds of right and justice, or wrong and op-
pression. Here, it is your privilege and duty to come, and
watch with a jealous eye the work of those who enter bearing
the State's commission. You are the power behind the throne
mightier than the throne itself. ' If the presence of unsound
morals and economic heresies are dangerous to the nation,
they are also dangerous to the State. This spot is common
ground upon which all can meet. In ancient Greece there
was one spot consecrated to peace, and on that spot would
assemble Ionians, Persiaus and Athenians alike, who leaving
behind the shield and spear as well as the memory of hard
fought battles, would worship at the same shrine and seek the
same benefactions. May this corner-stone be to us what
Delos was to the Greeks, and may wre, like those old warriors,
forgetting all trifles, animosities and political differences,
assemble from time to time and under the sanctified flag of a
common country, unite here in seeking that which shall best
promote our interests as a commonwealth. To this end, may
the building about to be erected, remain in all the years to
come a rallying place for freemen, jealous of their rights, un-
compromising in their devotion to the constitution and the
laws.

Cornelius Hedges, Upper Left Hand Corner E. C. Day, Upper Right Hand Corner

J. H. Little, Middle C. W. Pomehov, Bottom

GROUP OF MASONS

LAYING THE CORNER-STONE OP THE CAPITOL. 33

SPECIAL COMMUNICATION OF THE GRAND
LODGE A. F. & A. M. OF MONTANA.

TO LAY THE CORNER STONE OF THE STATE CAPITOL BUILD-
ING, HELD AT HELENA, JULY 4, 1899.

By order of the M. W. Grand Master, a Special Communi-
cation of the Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted
Masons of Montana was held at Masonic Temple, in the City
of Helena, at 11 o'clock a. m., Tuesday, July 4, 1899, at which
the following* officers were present :

Charles W. Pomeroy (42) M. W. Grand Master.

Anuiony H. Barret (22) R. W. Deputy Grand Master.

Henry Chappie (29) R. W. Senior Grand Warden.

Theo. Brantly (14) R. W. Junior Grand Warden.

Henry M. Parchen (3) R. W. Grand Treasurer.

Cornelius Hedges (3) R. W. Grand Secretary.

Rev. Job H. Little (34) R. W. Grand Chaplain.

H. S. Hepner (9) ." R. W. Grand Marshal.

Lew L. Callaway (1) as W. Senior Grand Deacon.

C. W. Butler (31) as W. Junior Grand Deacon.

M. H. Parker (41) as W. Senior Grand Steward.

B. S. Thresher (6) as W. Junior Grand Steward.

William D. Smith (3) Grand Tyler.

PAST GRAND MASTERS.'
Wilbur F. Sanders (5)— 1868. James W. Hathaway (5)— 1SS7.

Cornelius Hedges (3)— 1870. William T. Boardman (22)— 1890.

A. J. Davidson (3)— 1882. Moses Morris (9)— 1892.

S. W. Langhorne (3)— 1884. Charles H. Gould (26)— 1896.

Edward C. Day (32)— 1897.

Grand Lodge was opened in Ample Form, on the Third
Degree of Masonry, with prayer by the Grand Chaplain.

The Grand Master stated the purpose of the call, to lay,
with proper Masonic ceremonies, the corner-stone of the new
Capitol, now in course of erection in the Capital City, at the
request of the Governor, on behalf of the State Capitol Com-
mission. He further stated that a general invitation had
been extended to all the lodges in the State to participate,

34 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

and that owing to his distant residence, he had invited all
the Past Grand Masters, residents of Helena, to act as a
Committee of Arrangements, with Past Grand Master E. C.
Day as Chairman. M. W. Brother Day, being called upon,
stated the arrangements that had been made. He called at-
tention to the handsome trowel, prepared for the occasion,
all of Montana metals; also a gavel, presented to Grand
Lodge by the Grand Secretary, made of wood from Mount
Vernon.

Past Grand Master W. F. Sanders had been requested by
the Committee of Arrangements to deliver the Masonic ad-
dress. The Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Mon-
tana had tendered its services to act as an escort to Grand
Lodge, and the same had been gratefully accepted. Carriages
had been provided for the Past Grand Masters, and they were
requested to occupy seats upon the platform, with the Grand
Officers.

All Master Masons were requested to form in the proces-
sion, and occupy positions directly in front of the stand.

The Grand Lodge was then called to refreshment till 1 p. m.

AFTERNOON SESSION.

At 1 o'clock p. m. Grand Lodge re-convened, at the Masonic
Temple, where a large assemblage of Masons was in waiting.

Under the direction of the R. W. Grand Marshal, the Grand
Lodge officers, attended by a large body of Master Masons,
and escorted by the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar
of Montana, marched in procession to the Capitol site, and
took position as directed.

After the civic ceremonies, consisting of prayer by the Rev.
J. F. McNamee, an address by Governor Robert B. Smith,
and a more formal and very able oration by Ex-Governor
Joseph K. Toole, with music interspersed, the usual Masonic
ceremonies were conducted by the Grand Master and his as-
sociate Grand Officers.

DEPOSITS.
The following is a list of deposits placed in a metallic box,

LAYING THE CORNER-STONE OF THE CAPITOL. 35

within the stone, collected by the Committee on Archives,
appointed by the Governor, consisting of Major Martin Ma-
ginnis, Col. W. B. Hundley, and the Grand Secretary :

Photograph of Hangman's Tree, Helena, Montana, July,
1870. — Presented by L. B. Lyman, First Register U. S. Land
Office.

Volumes 1 and 2, Contributions of Historical Society of
Montana. — By State Historical Society.

Printed list of Committees appointed by the Governor to
arrange for laying the corner-stone of the Capitol building.

Constitution of the State of Montana. — By Secretary of
State T. S. Hogan.

Constitution framed by the Convention of 1884. — By Cor-
nelius Hedges.

Historv of the Societv of Framers of the Constitution, and
Second Annual Reunion of same Society. — By its Secretary,
Hon. Henry Knippenberg.

Acts, Resolutions and Memorials of the First Legislative
Assembly of Montana, convened at Bannack, Dec. 12, 1864.
— By Secretary of State T. S. Hogan.

Sixth Annual Report of the Bureau of Agriculture, Labor
and Industry of Montana, for 1898. — By J. H. Calderhead,
Commissioner.

Piece of flooring from the White House, laid in 1798. — By
Sol. Genzberger.

Complete Codes and Statutes of Montana, containing also
the Constitution of the United States. — By Ex. U. S. Senator
Wilbur F. Sanders.

Part of a manuscript of George Washington, formerly the
property of the Ladies' Mount Vernon Association, saved
from fire at Alexandria, Va., in 1867. — By Sol Genzberger.

Dimsdale's "The Vigilantes of Montana."— By T. H. Clew-
ell.

Photograph of autograph letter of credit from President

36 HISIO—aCAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

Thomas Jefferson to Captain Mori weather Lewis, who com-
manded the Lewis and Clark expedition of 1S05. — From
negative owned by T. H. Kleinschmidt, and presented by W.
II. Taylor, Photographer.

List of City Officers of Helena, from its incorporation.

Printed list of City Officers and Council Committees of th(
City of Helena for 1899. — By City Attorney Edward Horsky.

Roster of officers and members of the First Montana Regi-
ment, U. S. V., together with brief account of their service.—
By Adjutant General C. F. English; also —

List of casualties in First Montana Regiment, U. S. V.

Resolution of congratulation to the Montana Regiment, by
the Sixth Legislative Assembly of Montana.

Copy of address of Ex-Governor Joseph K. Toole, at the
laying of this corner-stone, July 4, 1899.

Proceedings of Grand Lodge A. F. & A. M. of Montana. —
Reprint 1866-1872, and for year 189S.— By the Grand Secre-
tary.

A piece of adobe brick, made at Fort Benton in 1816, and
part of the old fort built there in that year. A part of the
wall of this fort is still standing. — Presented by Jere Sulli-
van, of Fort Benton, and brought to Helena by Joseph Hirsh-
berg, Esq.

Programme of exercises of the corner-stone ceremonies,
July 4, 1899.

Weekly Herald of Helena, issued June 29, 1899 ; and Daily

Herald, issued July 3, 1899. — By publishers.

Anaconda Standard, issued July 4, 1899. — By J. S. Ailing,
Jr.

Weekly Independent of Helena, issued June 29, 1899 ; and
Daily Independent of July 4, 1899. — By publishers.

Daily Butte Inter-Mountain of July 1, 1899.

Daily Butte Miner of July 2, 1899.

Proceedings of the Grand Commandery K. T. of Montana,
for 1898.

Proceedings of the Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of
Montana, for 1898.

LAYING THE CORNER-STONE OF THE CAPITOL. 37

On return to the Masonic Temple, Grand Lodge was called
on, Past Grand Master Gould occupying the West.

Upon motion, the Grand Master appointed Past Grand
Masters Moses Morris, J. W. Hathaway, and the Grand Sec-
retary, as a committee to audit the bills of expense, connect-
ed with this Special Communication.

On motion of the Grand Secretary, thanks were voted to
Past Grand Master W. F. Sanders, for his eloquent and ap-
propriate address, with request for copy, to print with the
Proceedings.

And upon motion of Grand Marshal H. S. Hepner, thanks
were voted to the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar,
for their most acceptable escort, and to Past Grand Master
Edward C. Day, for his devoted services as Chairman of the
Committee on Arrangements.

The Grand Lodge was then closed in Ample form," on the
Third Degree of Masonry, with prayer by Grand Chaplain
Little.

CHARLES YV . POMEKOY,
Attest : Cornelius Hedges, Grand Master.

Grand Secretary.

bd HISTORICAL SOCIETY OK MONTANA

ADDRESS

PAST GRAND MASTER WILBUR F. SANDERS.

DELIVERED AT THE LAYING OF THE CORNER STONE OF THE
STATE CAPITOL, JULY 4, J 899.

Fellow Countrymen :

Invited by my brethren of the Grand Lodge of Ancient,
Free and Accepted Masons of Montana to say a feAV words on
this occasion, my first sentence must be one of welcome. Pio-
neers in the occupancy and founding' of the State, we have
reached a circumstance which marks a distinct progress in
that most distinguished journey from a Commonwealth of
wigwams and wickiups, inhabited bj fierce and savage tribes,
destitute of highwavs and the amenities of civilized life, to
a Commonwealth of American homes. Every circumstance
which surrounds us is one of felicity. Upon no fairer Com-
monwealth does the shining sun look in all his journey. In no
century of authentic history have there been such mani-
festations of the capacity of man to penetrate the secrets of
Nature, to widen the scope of human vision, to manifest in-
ventive genius in the amelioration of human conditions, or
follow star-eyed science in her wondrous revelations of mind
and matter.

The day which assembles us here is the possession and
property of the magnificent Republic of which we form a
constituent part. It was wrested by courage and wisdom, by
heroism and conscience, from the dullness of time, and made
conspicuous in the procession of the suns by American valor
and patriotism. In the multiplied procession of anniversary

LAYING THE CORNER-STONE OF THE CAPITOL. 39-

days, it stands unique and instructive in human annals. Its
recurrence rejoices the heart of youth and gives new impulse
to the sluggish blood of age. The Republic, which was born
of the deed which first immortalized it, has exercised a bene-
ficent influence upon human events for more than a century,
with ever-increasing wisdom and courage, and unless we
mistake recent revelations, has entered upon a career of
greater benignity than she has hitherto known. Over land
and sea, continents and islands, the solemn utterances of
our fathers from Independence Hall are overturning dynas-
ties and outworn institutions, and substituting therefor those
normal relations which ennoble and immortalize mankind.
Beyond the activities and ambitions of our own Republic,
the teeming world is awakening to new duties, swayed by
more comprehensive and enlightened impulses, and mankind
seems to have entered upon a worthier career, to bring to all
nations, kindreds and tongues the benedictions which phil-
anthropists have painted and poets have dreamed. The great
forces of civilization, for reasons and by methods which all
do not comprehend, are being set in orderly array. Amid
all this throbbing intellect, so potent in the industrial and
moral world, the Commonwealth of our pride, the corner-stone
of whose capitol we have laid in the presence of the Governor
and high officers of State, of Federal officials and distinguish-
ed citizens, herself seems awakening to newness of life. With
a clear vision she is subordinating and placing in their true
relations those forces which are trivial and fleeting, and mag-
nifying those which are substantial and enduring and which
must forever abide. Verily, it is a privilege on such a day, in
such a State, citizens of such a Republic, living in such an
era, to be witnesses of this great oblation, and I welcome you,
Pioneers, one and all, to its formal observance. It is a con-
spicuous milestone in our history.

Thirty-seven years ago, a small band of adventurers, possi-
bly without definite aim, and certainly without the conscious-
ness of what was to follow, came to these remote, isolated,
uninhabited mountain vales, uninvited and unwelcome

40 IIISTnkiCAl, SOCIETY OK M< iNTANA

guests of tlic savage tribes who, from immemorial time, had
roamed over but had not inhabited this goodly land. Their
undaunted spirits would brook no denial, accept no puerile
ostracism. They planted here the ineradicable footsteps of
civilization, and they set in motion those forces which have
culminated in what is now and here accomplished. If greed
incited to adventure, adventure herself rose to enterprise,
and enterprise vaulted yet higher to patriotism, until from
all these mountain vales there are attentive listners to the
commanding and alluring voice of duty. How many con-
trasts between that early time and now! Then, the savage
roamed, unbridled and unchallenged, disdaining the prolific
forces of nature, content if each day supplied his coarsest
physical needs. No highway facilitated intercommunication
over 146,000 miles of mountain, vale and plain. The audaci-
ties of adventure had placed along the majestic rivers two or
three Trading Posts, and the zeal of devotion had thrust an
occasional Mission among the stolid tribes, who yielded to
their presence a most sullen consent. Neither science nor in-
dustry had prophesied or promised the wealth or variety of
her resources, and the springs of the Columbia and Missouri,
unvexed by the hand of man, danced laughingly to the sea.
Cruel tragedies from time to time occurred, the story of which
no tradition even preserves, nor was humanity herself much
exercised or interested in their result. Dulness, stolidity,
ignorance and indolence universally existed, — too coarse to
reign as kings ! To-day, a hundred cities and villages beauti-
fy the landscape; homes everywhere dot the valleys and
mountain-sides, and Montana is the abode of more than two
hundred thousand sensate, courageous, intelligent and happy
people. She has seven hundred schools, and her libraries,
public and private, wisely selected for purposes of instruc-
tion and discipline, everywhere abound. Highways of unex-
celled excellence penetrate to every settlement and fastness,
over thousands of miles of her perspectives, and upon her
railroads great villages of moving palaces sweep to and fro,

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LAYING THE CORNER-STONE OF THE CAPITOL. 41

like weavers' shuttles, across her domain, for the accommo-
dation of all her people. Time forbids an enumeration which
shall fitly shadow forth the contrasts between 18(52 and 1890.
I have spoken enough to bring* me to the subject matter which
I fain would emphasize upon this historic day.

Other Civilizations are the outgrowth of centuries, but here
in Montana, we have seen the progression of the ages, from
savage life to a high civilization, actually under our own ob-
servation, pass in review as under a glass case, and we should
be dull students if from this swiftly moving momentous
change we could not evolve some lessons of wisdom for our
own guidance, and those generations which in swift proces-
sion will follow our own. And the first observation that oc-
curs as we behold this vast change is that we owe it to the
founders of this State, the Pioneers of Montana. We read no
musty records to ascertain who created the highways, who
constructed the bridges, who discovered the mines, who ran
the tunnels, who builded the cities and houses and homes and
mills and barns. We know them all; have looked into their
inspiring faces and shaken them by the hand. We have
shared their sacrifices, partaken of their deprivations, and
with them yearned for the multiplied felicities which follow
in the train of an old, assimilated, coherent civilization. We
can bear witness to their sacrifices, and so, looking over Mon-
tana in this hour of her new greatness, our hearts fitly go
out to them in admiration of their intrepedity and their
heroic toil. In spirit, the living heroes are doubtless here
this day, but an unnumbered host of dauntless spirits, who
illustrated in an endless variety of ways the heroic in our
common life, have fallen by the way, and in memory their
deeds must be preserved. Whether in the domain of physical
conquest over the forbidding forces of nature, or in the moral
and intellectual life of our people, their achievements flower-
ed forth in the splendid Commonwealth which is the child of
our affection and our pride. Nor should we forget that other
host of helpmates, who, coming to Montana, joined in the

42 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

goodly work which has boon done, and from varying motives,
after high service here, journeyed to other localities. Nor can
we feel on this occasion that the merit of this achievement is
the less because so many builded better than they knew.
There is some coarseness in every community, and doubtless
covetousness and greed wrought among the pioneers of Mon-
tana their malignant spell. But there has been no hour when
noble Pioneers have not stood forth to reproach the coarse-
ness of the time, and to show to the people a more excellent
way. Clerics and laymen, on all her hilltops and through
all her valleys, have never been wanting to rebuke the coarse-
ness of those struggles and to bring us back to a considera-
tion of the eternal verities which make the moral world co-
here. Wherever men have congregated in numbers, swift
upon their heels has been established the Common School,
and Dimsdale and Patch and Campbell, before we had even
time to legislate in behalf of Learning, afforded the children
educational opportunities. The Church whose foresight
comprehended the growing consequence of these remote set-
tlements, with a zeal and courage alike characteristic and
creditable, planted here her footsteps, that the quickened
conscience and moral fibre of the community might keep
pace with its material increase; and Father De Smet and
good Father Ravalli, and Brothers Hough and Stateler, Dun-
can and others, early lifted up their voices in the wilderness,
like another St. John, commending to all right living and
right thinking. I shall not be excused if in this presence I
do not mention, as a transfiguration and representative of
the activities and excellencies of them all, the Right Rever-
end Bishop of Missouri*, who, for many years of our pioneer
life, was a benediction to us all, and who graces this audi-
ence by his presence on this auspicious occasion.

Viewing objectively these thirty-seven years of our history,
strange and unexpected difficulties confronted the founders
of this State from the very beginning. Montana was battle-

*Right Reverend Daniel S. Tuttle, D. D.

LAYING THE CORNER-STONE OF THE CAPITOL. 43

born. She is verily a daughter of Mars. Between the Babel
voices which her diverse immigration compelled, her citizens
heard the reverberation of resounding cannon, as a great peo-
ple, rent by a civil feud of unparalleled vastness, were settling
finally and for all time the controversy of the ages. It is to
the praise of those settlers that the violence which elsewhere
possessed so many people did not break out within our limits,
where conviction was so intense and confidence so abounding,
but calmer considerations prevailed and we escaped the trag-
edies of that fateful struggle. Yet early in its history, before
Law with its benignities and its ministers could step into the
iu congruous and tumultuous settlements, a cloud overshad-
owed them which nothing dissipated but another tragedy,
which was short, sharp and decisive; and it is greatly to the
credit of those early pioneers that, while they conducted it
with a courage which did not quail, and with a prudence
which forbade wrong, they just as eagerly relinquished its
authority the instant milder measures seemed adequate to
the task. The pioneer days also were affected by the volatile
and peripatetic quality of the American people. Vast
throngs of men came and went without identifying them-
selves with the Territory, and, as a consequence, with-
out that sense of responsibility which permanent identifica-
tion with the land imposes upon its settlers. The temporary
and evanescent sometimes swayed us by reason of this globe-
trotting quality of our country-men, and our own institu-
tions at times seemed to get beyond our control. A puny
partisanship sometimes invaded our rostrum, and
nagging politics, the vice of modern times, too
much swa}^ed political action and discussion. In
the earliest days we were without postal service,
and on occasion received our communications from
Walla Walla and Salt Lake City, which were our postoffices,
selected with reference to and guided by the predilections of
the early migration. For fourteen years we were isolated
from the great markets of the world, without any improved

44 HISTORICAL Sot'lKTY OK MONTANA

highways of commerce, and the great Missouri river — a pro-
longed cemetery Of adventurers — yielded us her homage and
did for as a noble duty. Our Indian wars, more numerous

than history tells, are preserved only in the memories of a
few of the early pioneers, but through all this trouble there
was a dauntless courage and an abiding cheerfulness. We
were profligate of our lives, of our labors and of our sacrifices,
and disdained complaint. We have greatly welcomed, and
do greatly Welcome, the oncoming host, not yet too late to
become Pioneers and join us in the upbuilding of a. mighty
State.

At the close of the civil war, it seemed to many of us that
great moral controversies had come to an end, and some of
us congratulated ourselves that we had lived amid the con-
tentions which preceded that time. We said, "Demigods
have been tramping the shaking earth, and we have been per-
mitted to mingle in their strifes, but now they are ended and
henceforth human life is to be inane." How little we com-
prehended the vastness and fertility of the flood of years!
Never did any human history or any era seem to open so Avide
the doors of great problems of philosophy, of science, of law,
as today. We are in the very dawning of elemental questions,
to which no oracle, no sphinx, can yet respond. They touch
upon individualism and solidarity, upon socialism, upon lib-
erty, and ask strange questions as to what provinces of in-
dividual activity and individual rights legislation may in-
vade. They are growing questions, and are larger than any
present conception of any man, however far-seeing he may be.
There are those who think these questions are already sharply
defined, but they pertain rather to those great and elemental
problems which the centuries ask, and only the centuries can
answer. Impatience and charlatanism have wrought their
work, and therefore there is much of babble. Quacks in the
economic and social world, fakirs and pretenders in morals,
multiply nostrums even before our faces and name them in
our presence, until our ears are pained with the inconse-

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LAYING THE CORNER-STONE OF THE PITOL. 45

quential noise. It is a time for observation, for sobriety of
thought, for investigation, and for some reasonable silence.
The prophets of evil who ask us to recur to the Golden Age
which has passed, who warn us of the destruction which is
before us, ought to be banished from the stage. No problem
touching human welfare, once clearly formulated by events
which are certain, will ever be too large for the wise solu-
tion of the American people. Their capacity for achieve-
ment is the marvel of history. Their resourceful genius is
busied answering questions which the centuries have been
asking. Thev have gone out into all the world, self-contained
and self-conlident, and soberly they are solving problems
hitherto deemed insoluble. The era. is one of great conse-
quence, and no generation has ever been called upon to form-
ulate greater problems and to define the elements which must
determine them, than that generation which, under the shad-
ow of this Capitol, will carry forward the civilization so re-
cently planted here. Their era is a time for sobriety of speech
for devotion to truth and to duty, and they will learn more
impressively than have we, that science is the sure and safe
guide in the determination of these vast problems. Our great
physical struggle of a generation ago thrust material consid-
erations to the front, and for a time it seemed as if science
were relegated to the background. She will assume in the
contentions of the future, her normal sway, and her omni-
potence be everywhere acknowledged. These grave question-
ings will sharpen the intellects, sober the judgment of, and
commend prudence to, our fellow citizens. As they touch
upon the material and moral interests of each man and wo-
man, inattention to them is impossible. The development of
organized productive industry, now assuming Herculean
combinations, renews old inquiries and controversies and
makes a reconsideration of problems, which we supposed
our civilization had settled, essential. By reason of that
industrial movement, diligent inquiry will be made as to the
necessity of sumptuary legislation. Is not the dividing line

46 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

between paternalism and liberty thereby removed yet farther
into the domain of individualism, until the State will be com-
pelled to take under its guardianship many matters hereto-
fore left to the individual citizen? Will she not again essay
to punish forays upon the markets where the essential needs
of human life are procured? Will she not inquire, with in-
creasing diligence, who shall handle the public utilities? Will
she not examine and re-examine titles, ownerships, possess-
ions, not frightened therefrom by epithets of socialism or
communism? Will she not hold in greater freedom for all
her people the bounteous gifts of Nature, the creation of no
individual industry or toil? Will she not be compelled to
re-examine the wisdom of the possessors of vast fortunes to
control their disposition beyond the period of their natural
live*? These and a multitude of other matters will be sub-
mitted to the new generations, under circumstances strangely
different from those which surround us, and which will com-
pel vheir serious consideration. No fitness for their wise
solution can be predicated of garrulity or recklessness or :n-
considerateness. Learning alone is adequate to the task of
solving them and maintaining upon secure foundations the
most sacred rights of all.

Moderation rises in the presence of interrogations so au-
gust to a cardinal virtue. Schools and colleges are thereby
lifted into higher esteem and become more precious instru-
mentalities of the State, and courage, human courage, im-
pulse to say and do and dare, commends itself as the greatest
need of the new era. No more dissimulation, sophistry, no
more dodging of responsibilities or issues, no more speaking
with forked tongues. That these questions, swelling with
considerations more vast than we can comprehend, will be
wisely and satisfactorily settled the student of human history
is not permitted to doubt. As the child pictures the sur-
rounding darkness filled with hydras and chimeras, so ig-
norance paints imminent and unformulated problems with in-
surmountable and insoluble obstacles. But Time, the great

a
>

S
d

LAYING THE CORNER-STONE OF THE CAPITOL. 47

healer, strips them of their horrors, and with patience waits
until their solution becomes comparatively easy. That we
may be prepared for these grave responsibilities, we need
more of devotion to the public good, and more of civic pride.
We need heroes to lead, to help, yes, even to worship. Our
fellow countrymen who sprang, with such patriotic zeal, a
year ago, to the aid of the imperiled Country, and whom the
appreciative and expectant Commonwealth already stands
on tiptoe to welcome back with rejoicing music, have wrought
for us a greater conquest than those fair and flowering is-
lands of the Pacific Main. Those Pioneer neighbors of ours,
who, in our name and behalf, went forth to do battle for the
Republic, now returning crowned with laurels of unstinted
praise, gave new consequence, new pride and bearing to other
Americans. Montana henceforth has a creditable and abid-
ing history, and it will be a shame to us if, in their absence, by
the milder methods of peace, Ave have not done some noble
deeds to add to the American name. We can live no longer
on the dry bones of the past, or the husks which the swine
do eat. The very stars themselves seem less noble when they
cover a country of lesser worth ; and in this Capitol of ours,
we do implore, and we have a right to command, that our
fellow citizens and successors shall ever work with greater
aims.

The Society of Free and Accepted Masons is a civic band,
of a respectable antiquity, devoted to the inculcation of the
moralities, and illustrating them by history, tradition and
symbols. Through some centuries it has been honorably
identified with architecture, and the story of an ancient tem-
ple forms the foundation of much of its ritual. It has pre-
sided over the commencement and completion of many of the
public buildings of two continents, and invited by the Gover-
nor of the State, it has lent its service to placing upon im-
movable foundations this corner-stone. It will watch with
keen and increasing solicitude the completion of the Capitol
of Montana, until the dome that crowns it shall announce
that the task is done. Under its roof, and so far as this in-

48 HISTORICAL SOCiETY OF MONTANA

stitulion can control it, wise policies shall be formulated and
enforced, and a high example set to all the people of the State.
It shall be a temple, not a market-place; not shambles, but
a shrine! The institution of Free Masonry, to improve the
character and quality of its members, to ennoble and enlight-
en mankind and strengthen among men the virtues of tem-
perance, fortitude, prudence and justice, has a long and cred-
itable history. Identified with the construction of so many
of the historic buildings of the world, it looks with pardon-
able pride upon the circumstances of this day. A German
philosopher declared architecture to be frozen music, and
an English poet declares a Gothic church a petrified religion.
The influences upon men of these triumphs of architecture,
with all their ameliorating forces, have been potential instru-
mentalities in refining and civilizing mankind. And so, from
far and near, throughout our goodly State, our brethren
have come up to this eager assemblage, to render conspicuous
the iournev of the Commonwealth along its chosen way.

The building here to be constructed is to be of such en-
during quality as that we may fondly hope it will survive
many generations. Fortunate in its location, it will gaily
greet and welcome the rising sun as, over the heaven-kissing
mountains in the distance, it comes with its flood of light
upon its benignant way. We are awed when we reflect upon
the gravity of the responsibility which will be here dis-
charged. We cling with an affection to the occasion and to
the place, feeling a right to invoke the highest wisdom ar.d
the noblest devotion. Rise, Temple of our Commonwealth,
into the clear and unclouded sky, and as our fellow country-
men gaze upon your fair proportions, may they take resolute
courage to discharge every public duty, to see that by no u 1-
wisdoni the public receives detriment, but may all conjoii. in
one patriotic, supreme and incessant endeavor to lift and
hold Montana high among the Commonwealths of her com-
panionship—

"With sunshine on her joyful way
And freedom on her wings."

THE DEDICATION CEREMONIES.

DEDICATION OF THE STATE CAPITOL. 49

THE DEDICATION CEREMONIES.

AT THE STATE CAPITOL OF MONTANA, JULY 4, 1902.

Chairman — Hon. Joseph. K. Toole, Governor of Montima.
Vice Chairman — Hon. James Donovan, Attorney General.
1. Calling Meeting to Order — Governor Joseph K. To^le.
2. Prayer— Rev. W. W. Van Orsdel.

3. Reading — Declaration of Independence, Mr. Bradford
Ellis.

4. The Work of the Capitol Commission and Formal De-
livery of the Building to the State — Hon. A. D. Peck.

5. Eesponse and Acceptance — Hon. George M. Hays,
Secretary of State.

6. Montana, Her Past, Present and Future — Hon. W.
A. Clark, United States Senator.

7. Legislative Department — Hon. Paris Gibson, United
States Senator. ?

8. Executive Department — Ex-Governor Robert B.
Smith.

9. Judicial Department — Hon. Theodore Brantly, Chief
Justice.

10. Pioneers of Montana — Hon. W. F. Sanders.
Exercises at Capitol to begin promptly at 2 o'clock p. m.
Reception at Capitol, 7 :30 to 9 o'clock p. m.

50 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

MONTANA'S CAPITOL.

BY E. B. KENNEDY, SECRETARY OF THE CAPITOL

COMMISSION.

The State Capitol of Montana is located in the eastern part
of the City of Helena, on a plat of ground donated to the
State, with Sixth Avenue on the north, Lockey Avenue on the
south, Eobert Street on the east and Montana Avenue on
the west. The grounds around the building contain about
ten acres, and a plan for laying out the same has been adopt-
ed and partially carried out. From the front of the building
which faces north, a walk, twenty feet in width and broken
by two sets of steps, leads to Sixth Avenue. Immediately
in front of the building is a paved space about forty feet in
depth and thirty-five feet in width, while from Lockey Ave-
nue a circular driveway leads to the south entrance of the
building, and walks lead in from the various streets sur-
rounding. It is designed to use Montana trees and shrubbery
in the parking of the grounds and when the adopted plans
are completed there will be few handsomer spots to be found
in the country.

The State Capitol Commission, under whose auspices the
beautiful building this day dedicated to the public uses of
the State of Montana, was erected, was appointed in March,
1897, by Governor Robert B. Smith, who was, by law, ex-
oflicio Chairman thereof, and consisted of Elizur Beach of
Helena, Dr. J. M. Fox of Missoula, A. D. Peck of Deer Lodge
and D. E. Folsom of White Sulphur Springs. The last
named gentleman resigned as commissioner in November,
1900, and Governor Smith was succeeded as Chairman by
Governor Joseph K. Toole, in January, 1901. Governor Toole
appointed Hon. T. L. Green ough of Missoula to fill the va-

DEDICATION OF THE STATE CAPITOL. 51

cancy occasioned by the resignation of Mr. Folsoni, and he
entered upon the discharge of his duties in the spring of
1901,

At the outset of its career the Commission was embarrassed
bv lack of a market for the bonds authorized by law, but

* «/ 7

subsequently Hon. Thomas Cruse of Helena submitted a pro-
position for their purchase and they were sold to him and
the money for the prosecution of the work of constructing
the building was thus provided. Messrs. C. E. Bell and J.
H. Kent of Helena, were selected as architects and prepared
plans and specifications which were carefully examined by
the Commission, and after some changes and alterations
were approved and adopted. Thereafter bids for the erec-
tion of the building were invited, and on September 13, 1898,
the contract for the erection of the building was awarded to
the Montana Building Co., for the sum of $289,891.00. Hon.
H. L. Frank of Butte was the president of this company
which was formed for the purpose of erecting this bulding.
On October 1st, 1898, work was begun on the foundation for
the new structure and same was completed that fall and
allowed to stand until the following spring before the erection
of the superstructure was begun. Mr. J. A. Murphy of Hel-
ena, was engaged as superintendent of construction; he was
so employed until the building was turned over to the Com-
mission bv the contractor in January, 1902.

The Capitol is in the Grecian Ionic style of architecture,
and is built of Columbus Sandstone, obtained from the quar-
ries of the Montana Sandstone Co., at Columbus, Montana.
It is two hundred and fiftv feet in length bv one hundred
and thirty feet in depth, is strictly fire-proof, lighted by elec-
tricity, and heated by steam which is obtained from the
power house located at the eastern edge of the grounds. The
central pavilion of the front is approached by a flight of
steps thirty-five feet in width, with a portico of five detached,
fluted columns, twenty-five feet in height, supporting an en-
tablature which is surmounted by four great carved consoles,

62 HISTORICAL St )(' I ICTY OK MONTANA

forming a base and support for a panelled pedestal, which is
to bo crowned by a group of statuary. The end wings have
pavilions relieved by pilasters and attached columns and
surmounted by pediments or by horizontal cornices and
balustrades. From the center of the building and crowning
the whole, rises the dome, which is absolutely devoid of orno-
ment. It is covered with copper and crowned by a statue of
Liberty.

j'Le interior of the building is simple and economi ■«! in
all Jts? arrangements and is thoroughly lighted in all its parts.
The ground floor is devoted to the appointive otU<es, has
entrances from front, rear and ends and is intersected longi-
tudinally and transversely by spacious corridors with a well
lighted rotunda in the center. On this floor are also the
apartments of the Historical Society and the Superintendent
of Public Instruction. On this floor the arrangement of the
corridors is similar to that below. Upon entering the build-
ing at the north front is found a spacious corridor with col-
umns of scagliola, colored to represent sienna marble, suport-
ing a deeply paneled ceiling. On either side are doors, that on
the right leading to the Governor's apartments and that on
the left to the offices of the Secretary of State. This corridor
enters upon the rotunda and on the opposite side is seen the
grand stairway. On either side of the latter and close to the
rotunda is an elevator connecting with each floor. At the
east and west ends of the longitudinal corridors are broad
staircases leading to the different floors, and these are so
placed as not to interfere with the direct light at the ends
of the corridors. The corridors and staircase halls are re-
lieved by columns and pilasters of Tennessee marble, while
the rotunda is ornamented with scagliola columns in Sienna
marble finish, and all have tiled flooring. In connection
with the Governor's suite of rooms are the offices of the At-
torney General. On the south side of the west corridor are
the apartments of the Supreme Court, consisting of the
court room, consultation room, private corridor, offices for

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DEDICATION OF THE STATE CAPITOL. 53

each of the Justices, office of the clerk and the stenograph-
er. These rooms are supplied with vaults and all conven-
iences for the use of the Justices and officers of the Court.
On the south side of the east corridor is situated the Law
Library, which is equipped with the latest conveniences in the
way of library fittings and affords ample and commodious
quarters for the books with which the library is supplied, as
well as for the librarian and all who may desire to visit and
use the library. On the southeast corner are located the
offices of the Treasurer, on the northeast corner those of the
Auditor, whose vault adjoins that of the Secretary of State.
The offices of the Secretary of State are provided with three
large vaults, one on the main floor and two on the ground
floor, the latter being connected with those above by an iron
stairway, and the onlv entrance to which must be obtained
through the business office of the Secretary.

The floors above are given up entirely to the uses of the
Legislature, the east wing containing the Senate Chamber
and the west wing the hall of the House of Representatives,
each being supplied with spacious lobbies and retiring rooms,
cloak and toilet rooms, and officers and committee rooms.
The Chamber and House are ornate in design, columns and
pilasters supporting ornamental cornices from which spring
curved ribs and panels running up to ceiling lights of art
glass in panels. The Senate Chamber is partly circular,
while the House is rectangular, and both are surrounder by
spacious galleries which are accessible from elevtors and
stairways.

The internal dome, which crowns the rotunda, rises to a
height of one hundred feet above the main floor and there is
an uninterrupted view the entire height, as the corridors
are outside of the dome and divided from the same by colon-
nades and balustrades with only projecting basket balconies
from which a view can be taken up or down. From the gal-
lery floor extends a circular stairway leading to the top of
the inner dome, where is a spacious room from which an ex-

54 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

cellent view may bo obtained, while half way up this circular
stairway is a door leading to the balcony which surrounds
the base of the dome proper.

On July 4th, 1891), the corner-stone of the Capitol w;is
laid with appropriate ceremonies. The corner-stone was laid
under the auspices of the Grand Lodge of Masons, with all
the formality and solemnity of the beautiful ritual of that
order. Addresses were delivered by Governor Smith, Chair-
man of the Capitol Commission; Hon. Joseph K. Toole, and
Hon. Wilbur F. Sanders. Thousands of people from all parts
of the State and many from other states joined in the cele-
bration and the event was one long to be remembered by all
who participated in it.

The contract for the construction of the building did not
cover the furnishing of the electric lighting fixtures nor the
decorations of the building and on July, 1901, a contract
was entered into with the W. S. Edwards Manufacturing
Co., of Chicago, 111., for the former, for the sum of $16,-
639.00, and in August of the same year a contract was
made with F. Pedretti's Sons, of Cincinnati, Ohio, for the
latter, for a sum of $20,000.00. It is manifest at a
glance that no mistake was made by the Commission
in the selection of these firms for their respective classes of
work. The electric fixtures are the best of their kind that
have ever been placed in a public building. They are solid
throughout, being made of cast plates bolted together, not
one bit of stamped metal work, having been used in any part
of them. They are finished in antique bronze, are ornate and
elegant, (ample in number and size and abundantly illum-
inate the building in all its parts. Some idea of the work in
these fixtures may be obtained when it is stated that each of
the thirty-one light electroliers in the Senate and House
weighs nearly 900 pounds, and the cost of each was $1,176.00,
while the 13 light electroliers in the Supreme Court and Gov-
ernor's reception room weigh over 400 pounds each, and cost,
the first nearly $600.00, and the latter nearly $400.00. On

DEDICATION OF THE STATE CAPITOL. ES

the front steps leading to the building are placed four 5-light,
solid, bronze standards which cost upwards of f 400. 00 each.
These were set in natural color without anv artficial finish
and will change with age and exposure from their present
brightness until they become the beautiful bronze green so
much admired by all. The elegance and taste displayed by
the manufacturers as well as the massiveness and solidity of
the work is worthy of, and should receive the highest com-
mendation.

The work of the decorators is beautiful beyond all expres-
sion. The harmonv of the color effects and the blending of
light and shade is wonderful, and the building has been given
by them a character and beauty not surpassed by any build-
ing in the land. There are larger, more elaborate and more
costly structures in other parts of the Union, but for beauty
and harmony there are none that excel the Capitol of Mon-
tana. Architecturally, the interior of the building is finished
in French renaissance and the decorations are of the same
character. The work was executed under the personal super-
vision of Mr. Charles A. Pedretti who gave his entire time for
four months to it, prepared all the designs, selected the colors
and did much of the work himself. The pictures in the Sen-
ate and dome were executed by him personally and he
prepared the designs for and personalty supervised the exe-
cution of those in the House. The portraits are accurate and
were secured after much labor either by the artist or the
Commission, and can be relied on as correct likenesses of the
persons whom they represent. The costumes and surround-
ings are also correct in detail and execution and no pains nor
labor has been spared to make them as nearly perfect as hu-
man ingenuity can devise. On the ground floor, to which
have been assigned the appointive offices, the decorations,
outside of the Historical Society's apartments, are not elab-
orate, but they are tasteful in the extreme, the colors being
restful and pleasing to the eye. On the first, or executive
floor, the color scheme of the main corridors, branching out
on either side of the dome and extending from the east to the

66 HISH'KU'AI. Si h'IKTY OF MONTANA

west ends of the building, and which arc wainscoted through-
out with Tennessee marble, with columns and pilasters of the

same, is a dee]) green, In-own and gold, with rich ornamenta-
tion. The Governor's- suite consists of a reception room,
twenty by forty feet in size, private secretary's office and
Governor's private office. The reception room is decorated
in ivory and old rose, with walls in green and panels of red
silk velours. The idea followed in the decorations and fur-
nishings of this room was to give the proper treatment to
what "might be called the "State Parlor," and it has been
faithfully carried out in all of its details. The massive, beau-
tiful, mantel, the elaborate gilt electric fixtures and the
lighter treatment of the ceiling panels are all in perfect harm-
ony and taste, while the massive mahogany furniture with its
green upholstery adds beauty and dignity to the room. Open-
ing out of this is the office of the Governor's private secretary,
tastefully decorated, and beyond that is the Governor's pri-
vate office in the building, the colors being green and gold, and
the wall is figured with gold fieurs de lis. Directly across the
corridor from the Governor's apartments will be found the Su^
preme Court room, which is finished in dark green and gold,
the walls being covered with a figured burlap. The furnishings
are of solid mahogany, and the whole effect is of solidity and
worth. The character of the decorations and furnishings, as
well as of the electric fixtures is dignified and stately. Ad-
joining the court room on the west is the consultation room,
and the chambers of the Justices, which are conveniently lo-
cated and reached by a private corridor. Opposite the Jus-
tices' chambers will be found the rooms of the Attorney Gen-
eral which are also handsomely and elaborately decorated in
green and gold. In the southeast corridor, adjoining the
main stairway, are the quarters of the Clerk of the Supreme
Court and the stenographer.

The northeast end of this floor is given up to the use of the
Secretary of State and the State Auditor. The private offices
of these officials are finished in Pompeian red with elaborate

BRONZE ELECTROLIER

DEDICATION OF THE STATE CAPITOL. 57

decorations and the effect is very pleasing. The offices are
commodious and are provided with all modern conveniences,
including large vaults, all fitted with metallic vault fixtures
of the most modern and approved patterns. Across the corri-
dor are the offices of the State Treasurer and the Law Li-
brarv, both beautifullv and elaborately decorated and fitted.
The latter rooms are fitted with metallic book shelves, with
capacity for 15,000 volumes, they being arranged in stacks,
with stair connections from the lower floor.

But it is in the dome where the artist has done his best
work. The dome is massive and stately in appearance and its
apex rises to nearly one hundred feet above the tiled floor of
the rotunda. The general color scheme is red, blue and old
ivory, with touches of green here and there and with liberal
touches of gold in all its enrichments of the relief and stucco
work, the capitals of the sienna columns being in solid gold.
About one third of the way up are four circular panels con-
taining pictures which are elsewhere described. There is
scarcely a spot in the entire dome which does not contain
some ornamental work. Far up in the dome and nearly two-
thirds of the way to the apex are sixteen large art glass win-
dows in beautiful shades of amber, made to harmonize with
the decorations. Above this and reaching almost to the apex
are eighteen panels divided by ribs, which are all very elab-
orately treated. It will doubtless surprise some to learn that
these dividing ribs, which are treated in relief work, are ab-
solutely plain and flat, like a side wall, and that the appar-
ent foliation is entirely due to the brush of the artist. The
effect of these decorations is grand and beautiful and one
never tires of gazing at and studying them, for each moment
displays some new feature and impresses the observer not
only with the beauty of the detail but also with the perfection
of the harmonious blending of colors.

The grand stairway, leading from the executive to the leg-
islative floor is of white marble, with newel posts and balus-
trade in green bronze. Over the stairway is the art glass,
barrel ceiling, 40 feet in length and 15 feet in width, which

68 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

is beautifully designed with color effects, green and amber,
made to harmonize with the general color scheme of the dome.
At the head of the stairway is a semi-circular art glass win-
dow, in green, red and amber with rich mosaic effect. Above
this window is to be placed the painting to be presented by
the Northern Pacific Railway, representing the driving of
its golden spike at a point three miles east of Gold Creek,
.Montana, on completing the road in the fall of '83. This pic-
ture, which is being painted by Amedee Joullin of San Fran-
cisco, California, will contain portraits of the famous person-
ages who took part in that noted event.

The second or legislative floor is given over entirely to the
two houses of the legislature, their officers and committees.
At the east end of the building will be found the Senate
Chamber. The color scheme of the Senate is old ivory, red
and gold, being richly ornamented throughout. The skylight
is in art glass, in green and amber, harmonizing with the
other decorations of the room. The wainscoting is of Tennes-
see marble, the scagliola columns are in white Italian mar-
ble, the furnishings are in solid mahogany, while the floor is
covered with a rich carpet in dark green. The paneled cove
around the ceiling contains historical paintings elsewhere
described, and ornamental pieces. The galleries around the
room have the walls hung in burlap tapestry of dark green.
The walls back of the President's desk have panels of red and
gold tapestry. The chamber is designed to supply ample
loom for forty senators, with officers' desks and a reporter's
gallery directly over the presiding officer's desk. Around the
chamber are lobbies luxuriously furnished for the conven-
ience of the members, while ample cloak and toilet rooms,
committee and officers' rooms are to be found adjoining. Per-
fect ventilation is secured by means of electric fans, which
are placed in the basement and connect with both legislative
halls.

*This painting was put in place in May, 1903, and has been greatly ad-
mired by all who have seen it.— (Ed.)

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DEDICATION OF THE STATE CAPITOL. 59

On the opposite side of the dome and occupying the west
end of the building is the House of Representatives. The
color scheme of this room is green and gold and the skylight
of art o-lass, is in amber and red. Directlv around the ceil-
ing, below the skylight is a cove 12 feet deep containing six
large historical paintings. The eight corners of the room are
very elaborately treated in green and gold. The Avails of the
gallery are covered with red burlap tapestry and are very
effective.

It would not be just for the Capitol Commission to claim
the credit for all of the beauty of the completed structure.
The furnishings, which complete the finishing and add so
largely to its elegance and availability, were purchased un-
der the direction of the State Furnishing Board, composed of
Governor Toole, Secretary of State Hays and Attorney Gen-
eral Donovan. A critical examination of the work done by
this Board will convince all that thev gave close attention to
both beauty and utility. The desks, rostrums, counters, rail-
ings, mantels, chairs, etc., were furnished by the Wollaeger
Manufacturing Co., of Milwaukee, Wis., and Retting & Sweet
of Grand Rapids, Mich., who certainly have given to the State
the best work it was possible for anyone to furnish, while The
window shades and the rich, beautiful carpets were furnished
by the Hennessey Mercantile Co., of Butte, Montana. The
metallic fixtures in the vaults and the Law Library were
placed by the Art Metal Construction Co., of Jamestown, N.
Y. All of this work is the best and most modern in construc-
tion and reflects credit not only on the manufacturers there-
of, but also on the members of the furnishing board, who had
LO small task to make the proper selections, keeping in mi ad
tne necessities of those who were to use what they provided,
as well as the requirement to make such selections as would
enhance the beauty of the completed building. It must be
owned by all that they discharged their duties ably and faith-
I ally.

Naturally the questions arises, what did all this cost?
Well, that is another story, too elaborate to be detailed here.

60 HIST()i;i('Al> MK'IBTT OF MONTANA

Roughly stated it may bo said that the cost of the buildings
and grounds was approximately $480,000.00 and the furni-
ture was $60,000.00, making an approximate total cost of
$540,000.00.

The State of Montana is to be congratulated that it has
secured a magnificent home, ample in its accommodations for
years to come, perfect in its appointments, modern in con-
struction, complete in detail, beautiful in appearance and in
all ways satisfactory and desirable and at a cost far less than
that of many more pretentious structures that are far from
being- as well appointed and satisfactory in all respects as i-s
this beautiful building.

PAINTINGS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Directly over the Speaker's desk will be seen a painting
commemorative of the Louisana Purchase. In this picture
are grouped the men who participated in this transaction,
although most of them never met. At the right is seated Na-
poleon, and standing next to him is Marbois, who negotiated
the sale on behalf of the French government. At the left is
seated Jefferson, next to him stands Livingston, and in the
center, leaning over the table stands Monroe. A map of the
territory involved is spread on the table and in front of it
stands a globe. Above the table and back of the persons rep-
resented, hangs a picture of the Sphinx and Pyramids, and
at the eulrance to the room are posted sentinels to guard the
party from intrusion. Each member of the group seems im-
pressed by the vastness of a transaction which will transfer
from one nation to another a domain rivaling in vastness of
extent the combined possessions of both of the countries over
whose destinies they preside.

To the left of the Speaker's desk is a representation of two
old settlers in Montana, whose names are familiar to all resi-
dents of the State, Dawson and Chouteau, for whom two of
our counties are named. These men were among the early
furtrader^ of this region, and are represented, Dawson stand-
ing and Chouteau sitting, with bundles of pelts around them.

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DEDICATION OF THE STATE CAPITOL. 61

In the background is shown Fort Benton with the Missouri
river winding away in the distance.

The next panel contains pictures of Lewis & Clark, with
their Indian woman interpreter and colored body servant.
They have now reached the neighborhood of Three Forks
after a long and trying winter, and Lewis is depicted as still
clad in his winter furs. The portraits of these famous ex-
plorers are fine and accurate.

The large panel at the east end of the hall, directly oppo-
site the Louisana Purchase, is a painting of Custer's Last
Battle. This terrible event has been variously illustrated,
but nowhere more successfully than in this painting. In the
center stands Custer clad in his buckskin uniform engaged in
a struggle with an Indian whom he is overcoming, while just
to his right kneels Rain-in-the-face, who is generally charged
with having slain Custer* holding his rifle at rest and waiting
the outcome of the struggle. To the left is a soldier about to
shoot, the chief with whom Custer is fighting, while in the fore-
ground are bodies of some of those already slain. Showing
dimly through the smoke and dust, in the background can
be seen the forms of Indians on their ponies dashing hither
and thither, engaged in the work of slaughter. The picture
is full of vigor and action and tells the tale of the massacre
with vivid reality.

The next panel to the left contains portraits of Fathers
Ravalli and De Smet. These men were two of the Jesuit
Fathers who early penetrated the wilds of the west in the
effort to carry to the Indians the gospel of Christ. They were
men of sturdy nature, rugged and strong, and able to bear the
hardships and dangers of the wilderness and withal of such
lovely, devoted Christian character as to endear them to all
whom they met, whether white or red. At the left of the pic-
ture is an Indian group, while leaning against Father Raval-
li's knee is an Indian child. In the background is shown old
St. Mary's Mission in the Bitter Root valley.

The last panel is a representation of a mining scene.

62 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

The location is in Nelson's gulch, near Helena, and the man
at the right, leaning over the pan and earnestly watching the
results of his partner's labors, is a well known miner, Jerry
Robinson, now living near the city and frequently visiting it.
The scheme of the paintings in the House of Representa-
tives has been to preserve likenesses of persons, as well as
scenes, illustrative of the early history of Montana, and, as
far as possible, to present men, who, in the early days, pene-
trated to this then unknown region, braved the dangers of its
savage denizens and scarcely less feared climate, made known
abroad its possibilities and promise and opened the path for
others to follow, until at last, as a result of their devoted ef-
forts and severe privations, the fame of this country spread
far and wide and thousands were induced to follow the trail
they had blazed and enjoy the goodly land thus opened up
for them.

PAINTINGS IN THE SENATE.

Over the President's desk are three panels containing
paintings. The center one of these is entitled "Lewis' First
Glimpse of the Rockies." It shows Lewis on a rocky point
with his telescope raised to catch a view of the distant Rocky
Mountains, while his comrades are hastening on that they
may enjoy with him the wonderful view. Away in the dis-
tance, between its blank and barren bluffs, winds the Mis-
souri, and so well is the effect of the clear atmosphere of Mon-
tana portrayed, that one can well imagine as he gazes at the
distant hills that a distance of two score miles or more is
covered before passing "beyond their utmost purple rim."

The panels on either side of this picture are illustrative of
two important events in the recent history of Montana. That
to the right shows President Cleveland about to sign the en-
abling act, providing for the admission of Montana into the
Sisterhood of States, which Secretary of State Bayard, who
is seated behind the desk, has just laid before him, while in
the background, an interested observer, stands Governor
Toole, at that time the delegate in Congress from the Terri-

DEDICATION OF THE STATE CAPITOL. 63

tory of Montana. It has already been explained through the
public press that Governor Toole strenously objected to hav-
ing a portrait of himself placed in the Capitol and emphati-
cally vetoed the proposition of the Capitol Commission to in-
clude him in this group, and that the Commission stole a
march on him and had the portrait placed there without his
knowledge, justly feeling that he was entitled to be so rep-
resented by reason of his earnest efforts in securing our ad-
mission as a state, and that the scene would not be complete,
and the Commission justly liable to censure, if his portrait
had been omitted from it.

The other group represents President Harrison in company
with Secretary of State Blaine, about to sign the proclama-
tion annouDcing the admission of Montana to the Union and
by that act consummating the conferring of statehood on
Montana.

To the left of the rostrum is a painting showing an emi-
grant train being attacked by the Indians. The men are
starting forward to the conflict, and on each face can be seen
the firm determination to defend their families and their
lives by every means in their power. The Indians are circling
around the party and can be dimly seen through the alkali
dust which is rising in the background. This picture is full
of life and action and is well worthy of study.

The next panel discloses a familiar scene, "The Gate of
the Mountains," and is full of grandeur and solemnity. The
changing light on the swiftly running waters of the mighty
Missouri, the bareness and ruggedness of the surrounding
cliffs and the wildness and sternness of the view are vividly
portrayed and impress one with a sense of awe and power.

On the right of the rostrum is a representation of "The
Chase of the Buffalo," showing a band of braves following
and attacking a herd of buffalo. This picture is full of power
and action, and shows the mighty beasts in their vain en-
deavor to escape from those who were endeavoring to pro-
vide for their necessities both for the present and for the fast

on-coming winter.

64 HISTORICAL Sin'l KTY ( »K M< >NTANA

Next on the right is a portrayal of "The Last of the Buffa-
lo." Tn this scene the Indians are represented as having
slain the last of those mighty herds of buffalo, which once
streamed as a mighty torrent over the vast plains of the far
west, and are solemnly invoking the Great Manitou for the
restoration of those who heretofore had furnished them with
both food and dress, while from a tunnel in the background
emerges a railroad train, signalizing the change of civiliza-
tion which has come so suddenly upon them. The pathos of
the scene is intense, and one almost feels like joining with the
red man in his solemn and earnest prayer for the restoration
of that, to him, seemingly absolutely necessary source of
supply.

The scheme followed in the Senate differs from that in the
House of Representatives, in that there is less of portraiture
and more of scenes typical of the early life in Montana, now
passed away forever.

PAINTINGS IN THE DOME.

In the dome are four pictures showing four typical Mon-
tana characters. At the right of the main stairway as you
face the south, is an Indian Chief. This is a likeness of a
Montana Indian who stood for the artist, assuming the pose
in which he is so graphically represented.

At the left is a Cow Boy, whose horse is grazing just be-
yond him, surrounded by alkali plain and sage brush and
fitted out with the accoutrements of his calling, not omitting
his ever-ready and reliable "six shooter."

Opposite the Cow Boy is a Trapper, on the alert and gaz-
ing earnestly at some distant object which has aroused his
suspicion and demands his careful and deliberate scrutiny.
This picture is a likeness of Jim Bridger, a trapper of this
country, whose life was written by Washington Irving.

The last of these pictures is one of a miner, in typical
miners' dress, fully provided with the implements of his
trade. This graphic figure, so finely illustrating that active,

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DEDICATION OF THE STATE CAPITOL. 65

energetic, restless class of men who have contributed so much
to the development of this great state, is a portrait of Henry
Edgar, a famous miner of Montana.

66 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

THE WORK OF THE COMMISSION.

BY A. D- PECK, OF THE MONTANA STATE CAPITOL

COMMISSION.

Read at the Dedication of Montana's State Capitol, Helena, Mont , July 4, J902.

Your Excellency, Honorable Sirs, Ladies and Gentlemen : —
The State Capitol Commission are gratified by the fact
that the formal delivery of the Capitol building is to be done
in this public and democratic manner, in the presence of the
people themselves, and not to a select committee, thoroughly
representative though they might be. We were selected to
do a certain work, and having done it to the best of our abil-
ity, we are pleased that those for whom we did it should see
the work for themselves and not be required to accept a re-
port from some one else. The work of the Commission is be-
fore you for your approval and criticism and speaks for it-
self, and we can say to your state authorities, "Our work is
done; to you belongs its preservation."

Where men are nomads ; where law emanates from the in-
dividual brain and is executed by individual brawn; where
might makes right, there is no desire, and under the condi-
tions, no necessity for that which calls us here to this spot.
But when the idea has entered the mind that one man's right
is limited when it trenches on that of another, then begins
the desire for something to represent order and law.

Savagery, even, requires its council fires. Civilization
wants its legislative halls and executive chambers. We ad-
vance from tepee to state house. Israel, journeying, was sat-
isfied with its moving tabernacle, but when a royal and dom-
inant kingdom, Solomon built its magnificent temple. Mon-
tana with her shifting population in 1864 was willing to

THE WORK OF THE COMMISSION. 67

frame her laws in an old log cabin, of which you have seen the
picture, but Montana, with her thrifty cities, her productive
farms, her wealth producing mines, her beautiful homes and
her present social conditions, demanded a commodious State
House. And yet the difference between the earlier building
and this latest, is not so great as that which marks her earlier
and later prosperity.

Recognizing the fact that a commonwealth needs a suitable
place for the transaction of its business even before able of
itself to provide it, our general government in later years
has made provision for public buildings by grant of lands
in the enabling Acts whereby states have been admitted into
the Union. To the State of Montana was granted 182,000
ucres "For the purpose of erecting public buildings at the
capital of said state for legislative, executive and judicial
purposes."

When the question of the permanent capital had been set-
tled bv the selection of Helena as the seat of the State govern-
ment, Montana, by her legislature, set about providing for
a suitable home for her official household. The Fourth Leg-
islative Assembly passed an Act providing for a State Capitol
Commission, the erection of a State Capitol to cost not to
exceed |1,000,000.00, and appropriating $500,000.00 for the
forwarding of the building, with a provision that no appro-
priation should be made from any funds except the State
Capitol Building Fund, which was derived from the sale and
rental of the lands granted the State for the erection of pub-
lic buildings.

Acting under this authorization, a Commission was ap-
pointed by Governor Richards. The Commission thus ap-
pointed proceeded according to the provisions of the Act to
secure plans for a building, the reasonable cost of which
should be "one million dollars and no more." The plans were,
selected and the excavation for the foundation nearly com-
pleted. Funds, however, to carry on the work were not forth-
coming, as the Legislature had placed $10.00 per acre as the

68 lllSTnltlCAl. SOC1KTV OF MONTANA

minimum price :\i which the State lands could be sold, and
with a stringent money market and general lack of commer-
cial confidence, the price was practically prohibitive. As
there seemed at that time no liklihood of a change in the con-
ditions the work stopped after a total expenditure of about
140,000.00. This was the condition when the Fifth Legis-
lative Assembly began its session.

This Assembly amended the former Act providing for the
erection of a State Capitol by reducing the cost to $300,000.00
and authorizing ihe issuance of bonds bearing six per cent an-
nual interest, the principal and interest of which should "be
a first lien upon all lands granted and belonging to the State
for the purpose of erecting buildings at the State Capital."
If the Commission found it impracticable to modify the plans
already adopted, they were authorized to cancel the contract
with the former architect upon payment to him of work done
and expenses incurred. Some other minor changes were
made, but did not materially alter the other provisions of
the first Act.

Under the amended Act Gov. Robt. B. Smith organized the
present State Capitol Commission by appointing E. Beach,
democrat, of Lewis and Clarke county ; D. E. Folsom, repub-
lican, of Meagher county; Dr. J. M. Fox, democrat, of Car-
bon county, and A. D. Peck, republican, of Deer Lodge coun-
ty. Near the close of 1900, Mr. Folsom resigned and we felt
that we lost much wThen we were deprived of the benefit of his
ripened judgment. Gov. Toole appointed T. L. Greenough of
Missoula countv to the vacancv and his well known business
ability has been most valuable to the work. E. B. Kennedy
served as secretary pro tem from April 20, 1897, and was
elected to the position April 22, 1898. He has held the posi-
tion since, and the Commission heartily commend the man-
ner in which he has performed his duties. To Governor
Smith, Governor Toole and Mr. Beach should be given credit
for the immediate overseeing of the work and the vigilance
constantly displayed by them, in preventing by timely inter-

E. BEACH

GOV. SMITH

D. E. POLSOM

J. M. FOX

A. D. PECK

THOS. GREENOUGH
GOV. SMITH AND HIS CAPITOL COMMISSION

THE WORK OF THE COMMISSION. 69

ference and caution that which might otherwise have been a
source of annoyance and delay.

•Governor Smith was chairman ex-officio of the Commis-
sion and E. Beach was chosen as vice-chairman.

The Commission found themselves facing these responsibil-
ities and limitations: To dispose of, at par, f 350, 000. 00 of
bonds; to erect with the proceeds a suitable capitol building
of stone or brick, on such plans as would admit of additions
thereto when the future needs of the State should require
the same; to use material, as far as practicable, procured in
the State of Montana ; to limit the entire cost of the building
to $300,000.00, and to finish it by January 1, 1900.

A thorough discussion confirmed the judgment of the Com-
mission, that the plans adopted by the previous Commission
could not be utilized to any advantage for the lesser sized
building. Thev accordinglv cancelled the contract with the
architect and came to an amicable settlement with him.

Consultations were had with well known financiers of the
State in reference to the sale of the bonds, but these only
served to make more prominent the fact, that under the con-
ditions then prevailing and the restrictions thrown around
the issuance of the bonds by the Legislature, capitalists
would not be likely to invest their money in the bonds. The
erection of a state capitol seemed yet in the future, and after
pledging that each member should seek apportunity to open
up the way for the sale of the bonds, the Commission ad-
journed, subject to the call of the Governor.

That call was not made until Jan. 4, 1898. At this meeting
Governor Smith and Mr. Beach, both of whom had been east
and consulted with bond brokers and building contractors,
reported that it was possible to erect a building by contract
and bonds taken in payment. With this thought in view the
Commission drew up a synopsis of what was needed for a
building of the character required and sent circular letters

* The first meeting of this Coin mission took place upon the call of the
Governor at the rooms of the Commission in the Bailey Block, Helena, on
March 22, 1S97.

70 HISTORICAL SdCIKTY OF MONTANA

to architects of acknowledged reputation, asking them to
submit prices for plans and an outline of the plan for such
a building within the cost contemplated. Under this ar-
rangement over a hundred plans were received. A careful
canvass of the sketches of the plans and estimates of cost re-
sulted in the selection of those of Bell & Kent as being in all
respects best suited to the conditions. The Commission, how-
ever, were without any available funds to pay for plans, but
they made a statement to the Business Men's Association of
Helena, that in order to secure plans to submit to contractors
for bids, it would be necessary to raise enough money to pay
for complete plans and specifications, and proposed that the
business men of Helena subscribe at least $7,500 for thai
purpose; that in case a contract was made they were to Ik?
given bonds as a reimbursement for the amount subscribed.
In case no contract could be made they would lose the
amount subscribed. In a short time the necessary amount
was pledged by the members of the association and Bell &
Kent were given the contract on March 19, 1898, for com-
plete plans and specifications for a. building whose estimated
cost should not exceed $275,000.00, they having five months
in which to prepare them.

At the meeting of April 21, 1898, Mr. Thomas Cruse of
Helena made the Commission a proposition to take the en-
tire issue of bonds at par, depositing the money with tin-
State Treasurer in pa3^ment for them. His proposition was
at once accepted and the Commission felt that the real ob-
stacle in their way had been removed. The public spirit and
far-seeing judgment — which some call luck — of Mr. Cruse
had rendered possible the carrying of the Acts of the Legis-
lature. He took the bonds when all others had declined them
as an insecure investment, and yet a good many have since
been wondering why they thought that a first lien on 182,000
acres of selected Montana lands was poor security for $350,-
000.00 of 30-year bonds, bearing 6 per cent annual interest.

During the summer of 1898 the plans were perfected and

H. L. FRANK
OHAS. E. BELL J. H. KENT

THOS, CRUSE
MEN WHO BUILT MONTANA'S CAPITOL

THE WORK OP THE COMMISSION. 71

on September 13, 1898, the contract for the erection of the
present building according to the plans and specifications was
awarded to J. C. Soss for $289,81.00, his bid being the low-
est, though at least two others were rather close competitors.
Mr. Soss at once, with the consent of the Commission, as-
signed the contract to the Montana Building Company of
which Hon. H. L. Frank was president, and whose name was
a guarantee for the fulfilling of the contract. In justice to
him, it should be said that on his shoulders has rested the
financial burden of the enterprise, and the Commission feel
that he has honestly sought to carry out every part of the
contract and to give the State a building unmarred by slight-
ed workmanship^ though he knew a long time before its com-
pletion that he would be many thousands of dollars the loser.
Work on the foundation was commenced about Sept. 25,
1898; the corner-stone was laid with appropriate ceremonies
on July 4, 1899, and the building was accepted from the con-
tractor by the Commission and passed under their control
Jan. 20, 1902. This is not the place to give a detailed de-
scription of the progress of the work or of the building itself.
That has been done by Mr. E. B. Kennedy, secretary of the
Commission, by direction of the Governor, and is full and au-
thentic. Mr. Kennedy's article has been issued as a souvenir
of this occasion and can be procured by those who wish to
know more of the history of the work. The superstructure
was to be of sandstone procured within the State, but as not
a single quarry of that material had opened sufficiently to
know to a certainty that the amount of stone needed could
be procured of uniform texture and color, the matter of se-
lection was a difficult one; the selection possibly a chance
after the most thorough examination. The Commission visit-
ed most of the accessible quarries of any size in the State and
on March 20, 1899, selected the stone found at Columbus,
Mont., as most suitable in quality and color and most likely
to be of sufficient extent and uniformity. Developments have
proven the choice to be a fortunate one.

72 II ISTi 'KM 'A I. Six 'I KTV i »K AH »NTANA

The delay in selecting the stone and time necessary to
open up the quarry made it impossible to complete the build-
in g in the time specified in the contract, which was May 1,
1 J)00. Other unlooked for delays from one cause and another
kept back the work. The Commission urged haste but mat-
ters apparently could not be hastened. Enough had been done,
however, when the Legislature met in Jan., 1001, to show
them that the structure was to be a credit to the State, and
they generously made appropriations for the interior decora-
tion, the electric light fixtures and for completing the grad-
ing of the Capitol grounds, none of which had been included
in the original contract. These appropriations rendered
it possible to finish the inside in an attractive form. Prom
the various schemes of coloring and ornamentation the
Commission chose that which would be the most har-
monious to the whole. The selections for subjects for
paintings in the dome, the Hall of Representatives and
Senate Chamber were made with a view to being his-
torical and commemorative rather than symbolical or
allegorical. It was thought more fitting that the pioneers of
Montana in religious and industrial lines should be accord-
ed places of honor in her halls, than that those places should
be filled with mythological gods even though representative
of the best virtues and highest attainments.

We so soon forget the methods of the past in the greater
inventions of the present that it is well those primitive
methods that laid the foundation for Montana's greatness
should never be lost sight of. When this generation passes
away, the earlier life of Montana and its activities will not
be a memory. The scenes depicted in these paintings, all of
which .are trjie to' life and have their own local setting and
coloring, will help to keep in mind that which has gone into
the unknown. They thus appeal to the practical as well as
the sentimental side of our natures.

So, too, the preservation of memory of the actors in the
coming of Montana to statehood. How much better to have

T. S. HOQAN,

C. B. NOLAN.

T. B. COLLINS.

THE WORK OF THE COMMISSION. 73

the faces of Harrison and Cleveland, Blaine and Bayard look
down on our law-makers and to know that they had some-
thing- to do with that which brought about present conditions
than to have those panels occupied by any of the heroes of
the more distant past. The majority of the Commission and
by that is meant all of the members except Governor Toole,
thought that as the present executive, while a delegate to
Congress, had been largely instrumental in securing the pass-
age of the Enabling Act and as he had actually been present
when President Cleveland signed the bill, it was only right
that he should appear in the scene with President Cleveland
and Secretary of State Bayard. Governor Toole most stren-
uously objected to the idea of the other members and even
forbade their putting his portrait in the painting, but for
once the other members were determined to override the veto
of the executive. They apparently yielded at the time, but
without further consultation with the Governor and without
his knowledge, they gave directon to the painter to place him
in the panel. He was not aware of what had been done until
the finished painting arrived in Helena. We think the people
of Montana will commend our action.

The Commission have had constantly before them the
thought of practical results rather than mere attractiveness.
While we often wished that the funds would allow expendi-
tures that seemed almost necessary yet we resolutely pushed
aside anything that did not aid in giving utility to the build-
ing. Accordinglv you will find absent from this building
many things perhaps that other state houses possess, but
nothing lacking for the real convenience of those who occupy
and visit it.

The "Work of the Commission" is finished. For five and
one-half years we have had the responsibility of the erec-
tion of this building resting upon us. At times there were
doubts as to the outcome and often perplexities that tor-
mented, but combined counsel and earnest effort have ac-
complished that which is before you.

74 HISTORICAL SOC1KTY OK MONTANA

The members of the Commission appreciate the many fav-
orable comments on their work and the practical absence of
adverse criticism. Criticism we expect — the man of perfect
JTidgmenl is yet undiscovered. We do ask, however, that we
be given credit for having striven to do our duty as honest
men and citizens.

And now, Sir, on behalf of the State Capitol Commission,
I hand to you as representative of the State, this key, and
by this act transfer to the State authorities the control, ens-
tody and maintenance of Montana's State Capitol. We feel
that we are giving it into capable hands. We trust that the
patriotism, the loyalty to the commonwealth and the good
sense of our citizens will always succeed in maintaining the
same high standard in our State officials. As through these
halls and corridors and offices shall flow in ever increasing
volume the business of this great and growing State, the
people have a right to hope and expect, that such wise and
beneficent laws shall be enacted, such a conscientious and
thorough execution of them be maintained, and so careful and
honest accounting of all of the interests of the State, that not
alone because of her natural resources shall Montana be
called "The Treasure State," but because of her prosperous
and law-abiding communities, the security of property and
person within her borders, the enjoyment of her citizens in
all of their rights and privileges and the possession of those
things that make life worth the most — and we shall have

"A State wherein each loyal son

Holds as a birthright from true sires

Treasures of honor, nobly won,

And freedom's never-dying fires.

Dated, Deer Lodge, Montana.
June 26, 1902.

RESPONSE AND ACCEPTANCE. 75

RESPONSE AND ACCEPTANCE.

BY GEORGE M. HAYS, SECRETARY OF STATE.

It is with some degree of pleasure and responsibility that
I accept the invitation of his Excellency, our Governor, to
respond to the address made on behalf of the Capitol Com-
mission delivering to the State of Montana the completed
Capitol.

The history of the building from its inception to its finished
condition has been recited and fully told.

This dedication is an event of much moment in the history
of Montana. It is a milestone in the progress of our civil-
ization. It marks the advanced thought and ideas of a pro-
gressive people.

It demonstrates that Montana is abreast of the times and
takes the lead among the states of the Northwest as a patron
of the arts and sciences.

This structure has been under construction for nearly four
years.

The selection of the plans and the early work of its build-
ing were under the direction of Governor Smith and the Cap-
itol Commission composed of Messrs. Fox, Folsom, Beach
and Peck. The decorations, fixtures and final completion
have been under the supervision of Governor Toole and the
Capitol Commission composed of Messrs. Fox, Beach, Peck
and Greenough.

To these men the people of this State owe a debt of grati-
tude for their unselfish and untiring efforts in bringing to a
completed construction this beautiful capitol which will
remain for all time a home for the records and archives of the
Executive, Judicial and Legislative branches of the State
government.

76 HISTOKHWI. SOC1KTY OF MONTANA

Permit me to emphasize the noble work and scrutinizing
care with which Governor Smith and Governor Toole have
labored to hand down to the people a public building free
from the taint of squandered or wanton distribution of the
public funds. The citizens are to be congratulated upon re-
ceiving full value for every dollar expended.

The people here present, representing every section of this
favored land, from Sylvenite to Alzada, and from Plenty wood
to Monida, applaud your efforts and approve the work which
you this day give to their keeping.

The architectural simplicity and solidity, the beauty of the
decorations, and the delightful scenery about its location will
ever remain an inspiration to the nobler impulses of our peo-
ple.

In its construction, for the most part, the material has
been obtained in Montana, the work performed by artisans
and mechanics residing in our midst, and the funds advanced,
on the bonds issued, by a loyal and true Montanian.*

In accepting the work upon which 3011 have devoted so
many years with no reward in view but the consciousness of
a public duty strenuously performed, we know you desire no
fulsome praise. The capitol building will ever be a monu-
ment to testify to your integrity and the fidelity with which
you have discharged your trust.

The wisdom and zeal which you have exercised in bringing
this great enterprise to a splendid conclusion enshrine your
individual selves in the esteem of every man, woman and
child whose pleasure it may be to visit this edifice.

On behalf of the people of Montana I accept the State Cap-
itol Building, knowing that its future will ennoble the
thoughts of men, and trusting that for all the generations to
come no act will be performed by a public officer within its
walls that will not meet with the approval of a liberty-loving
people.

* Thomas Cruse.

MONTANA, HER PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE.

MONTANA, HER PAST, PRESENT AND

FUTURE

UNITED STATES SENATOR W. A. CLARK.

Fellow Citizens : — It was a happy thought that led to the
selection of the anniversary of our national independence as
the day for the dedication of Montana's state capitol.

It is in the highest degree both appropriate and pleasing
that these two events should be closely associated in our
memories, and also be inseparably linked together in the
historic records of the state.

Therefore we enjoy a dual pleasure in the observance of
that day of all others, dearest to our hearts, and at the same
time in celebrating with appropriate ceremonies an event of

78 HISTORICAL SOOITOTY OK MONTANA

the highest significance as demonstrative of the perpetuation
of those very principles which wore on that day first formally
declared, and afterwards securely founded.

We render homage to the memory of those immortal pa-
triots who sacrificed all that was dear to them — property,
home, and life itself, to secure to their families and posterity
the grand heritage of liberty.

Amidst all the achievements and triumphs surrounding
us, and whose enjoyment has been made possible by their
heroic action, our thoughts first turn to them in grateful
recognition of their valiant deeds, and upon the altar of pa-
triotism Ave pledge anew our fidelity and devotion to those
great principles of human rights and liberty which they so
grandly exemplified and established.

The lapse of years, even more than a century, has not in
the least diminished the gratitude of the American people,
nor lessened the ardor of their enthusiasm.

The recurrence of this day is ever hailed with universal
delight all over this -favored land, and long before the first
gleam of Light betokens the dawn of day, the clang of bells
and guns salute, break the stillness of the night, and an-
nounce the glad acclaim of a nation's deliverance from the
tyrant's rule, which, as the day grows apace, touches a re-
sponsive chord in the hearts of millions of patriots.

It was not for our ancestors, nor for us alone, to share
this richest legacy the1 world has ever known, which was be-
queathed to us by Washington and his compatriots, and con-
secrated by their blood; but so long as the splendor of yonder
morning snn shall continue to arouse all nature from repose,
it will illuminate the folds of that eternal emblem of human
liberty, the Star-Spangled Banner, that shall proudly wave
over the homes of valiant men and women, and its protection
be transmitted from generation to generation, and the in-
fluence of the principles it represents be extended from con-
tinent to continent until all thrones shall have toppled, and
liberty become the common heritage of the civilized world.

MONTANA, HER PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE. 79

I congratulate you, the people of Helena and my fellow-
citizens of Montana, upon the location of the permanent seat
of government at this place, and upon the completion of the
capitol building.

I think that we all realize that in the dedication of this
magnificent structure there has been rounded out and com-
pleted all the requirements of full fledged statehood, and
that, we are now equipped with all the facilities and con-
veniences essential to the exercise of all the functions of
state government.

It is gratifying to find that this building has been planned
on an architectural scale of such harmonious and striking-
proportions, and that it has been erected in faithful com-
pliance therewith. It is in every way creditable to all
who participated in its projection and construction, and it
will stand here like the neighboring mountains for ages to
come to kindle a sense of admiration in the hearts of all be-
holders, aud as a symbol in the minds of every patriotic Mon-
tanian of the dignitv and grandeur of the state.

Indifferent, unworthy and unpatriotic would indeed be the
individual, mingling in this great concourse of our foremost
people who have gathered here from far and near, and from
mountain, valley and plain, to participate in this celebration
of the culmination and completion of all the adjuncts of
state government, whose heart did not swell with emotions
of pride. The radiant smile, the sparkling eye, and beam-
ing satisfaction on every countenance visible, the joyful
greetings and graceful demeanor of this vast assemblage, all
reflect the genuine enthusiasm which this significant episode
in our history inspires, and which makes us all feel proud
that we are Montanians.

The great honor has been assigned me to speak of "The
Past, Present and Future of Montana."

What a magnificent and comprehensive theme !

Too great, indeed, to elaborate in one half hour. What

80 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OP MONTANA

vivid, tender and thrilling memories! What magnificent
achievements! What marvelous possibilities!

Would that I had the graphic pen of an Irving, and the
genius of a Longfellow or a Bryant, that I might adequately
perform my task!

Standing in the early morning of the active and brilliant
events of the state's career we are asked to pause for a mo-
ment and take a retrospective glance at its development
from that formative period when geographic boundaries were
constructed and reconstructed on subdivisions of the Louis-
iana purchase and the great unsurveyed territory of Oregon.

If we attempt to go much further, historic lines fade into
dim tradition. Indeed, anything like definite geographic di-
visions are of such recent creation that almost within the
memory of men the territory they now describe was comprised
in an unexplored and unknown region that was even un-
claimed by any nation except perhaps in a vague way by
reason of the accidental landing of a vessel on some remote
place, as by the Spaniards on the Oregon coast about the
middle of the sixteenth century, but no settlements were
made bv them.

The earliest historic references to the region comprised
in our state are invested with considerable uncertainty and
legendary suggestion.

The French Jesuit missionaries and trappers from Canada,
bold and fearless explorers, began to make incursions to the
westward in the region of the great lakes in the early part of
the seventeenth century.

Each year they penetrated farther until they reached the
Mississippi river. La Salle in 1682 descended this river to
its mouth in the Gulf of Mexico, and by right of occupancy he
claimed for France all the region drained by it and its tribu-
taries, and it was named Louisiana, in honor of Louis XIV.,
who was the reigning sovereign at that time.

It was not, however, until 1738, that the French explorers
got as far west as the headwaters of the Missouri. It is

VIEWS OF DIAMOND CITY-COSFEDEHATE GULCH.

MONTANA, HER PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE. 81

conceded now that the honor of this voyage should be ac-
corded to Verendrye. He was at the head of an expedition
that set out to explore the country as far as the Pacific ocean,
but on account of difficulties with the Indians he was unable
to accomplish his entire mission, and from the headwaters
of the Missouri he returned to the Lake of the Woods.

It seems to me that in some conspicuous way the name
of this intrepid man, perhaps the first white man who set
foot on Montana soil, should be linked with its history.

Little, if any, definite knowledge had been obtained con-
cerning this vast region until the reports of the Lewis and
Clark expedition, which started up the Missouri river from
St. Louis in 1804, were published, and which, so far as they
relate to Montana, form the most interesting feature of its
early history.

Apropos of that great expedition, and its fruitful' results,
it has been wisely decided to commemorate the centenary
of its organization by an international exposition to be held
at St. Louis in 1904 on a stupendous scale that will eclipse
all previous affairs of this character, and it would seem to
be not only appropriate, but highly advantageous, that a
liberal appropriation be made by our legislature in order that
a fitting display may be made of the varied resources of this
state, the crowning jewel of the Louisiana purchase.

In the long interval following the vovage of Lewis and
Clark up to the actual settlement of this northwestern ter-
ritory there were various explorers who penetrated this
country, including BUrdette in 1825, Captain Bonneville in
1832, and others. As late as 1825 there was an attempt made
to organize the Territory of Oregon, comprising that area
west of the Rocky mountains, and north of the forty-second
parallel, whose northern limits were disputed by Great Brit-
ain. Senators opposed to the measure stated in debate that
it would, if organized, never become a state of the Union,
and also that the whole region from the Missouri river to
the Rocky Mountains was unfit for cultivation, and therefore

82 II 1ST' Hili'Al, SOCIKTY OF MONTANA

uninhabitable by a civilized people, and that the Indians and
wild animals would never be disturbed by the whites in
the peaceful and permanent enjoyment thereof.

The bill was defeated and the Territory of Oregon was not
organized until 1848.

Many present here today can remember when the Western
plains, extending to the Rocky Mountains, were described on
the maps as the Great American desert.

Father De Smet visited the Indian tribes first in 1840, in
the territory lying- east of the Rocky Mountains, and St.
Mary's Mission was established by him in the Bitter Root
valley in 1841.

Canadian trappers were quite numerous soon after that
time, and after 1S50 a few Americans settled at various
places to trade with the Indians and with emigrants to Cali-
fornia and Oregon, but not until active operations of gold
mining began, 1862, was there such an influx of population
as to create any permanent settlement.

The discovery of gold was the initial point of a new era.
No longer could savage and solitude hold undisputed sway.

The startling news spread far and wide, followed by a
rush of prospectors and miners with the advent of spring.
The beautiful lines of Whittier are in a way illustrative of
that epoch :

"I heard the tread of pioneers
Of nations vet to be,
The first low wash of waves, where soon
Shall roll a. human sea.

"The rudiments of empire he're
Are plastic yet and warm;
The chaos of a mighty world
Is moulding into form."

Gold was the talisman that set the pace for the swift de-
velopment of an empire.

The territory comprising a portion of Idaho was created

MONTANA. HER PAST. PRESENT AND FC1TRE.

in 1804, and behold her today clothed in queenly habili-
ments of statehood !

This happy consummation was wrought out by the tireless
industry, well-directed energy and unflinching ambition of the
loyal, sturdy manhood and noble womanhood of Montana.
Conspicuous among them were those men and women who

JAMBS FKHdUM

ATVI> MAJ. HI. <i. liKOUKK. <>!•' WIIITBHALI..

came in the early sixties; those "old-timers" that blazed
the trails and fought Indians ; that pushed out over the rugged
mountain passes and into the gulches and canyons and dis-
covered and opened placers in spite of all discomforts and
dangers. They made it less difficult for those who followed
and deserve and do receive the considerate recognition and
respect of all people. Only a few days ago one of the oldest
and most distinguished and most respected of them, the
Honorable James Fergus, an honored member of the His-

S4 HISTORICAL SOClfc,! i' OF MONTANA

torical society, was, by his brother pioneers, laid gently down
to his final rest. Many of them have passed away. All
over the state, in the beautiful cemetery, in the little neg-
lected graveyard by the abandoned diggings, or here and
there in unmarked graves, in lonely spots on the mountain
sides, their bodies lie in peaceful sleep. All these brave men
were factors in state building, and their names were known,
should be recorded in enduring form on the state's roll of
honor.

The convention which met in 1889 to frame the consti-
tution, which was authorized by congress, and by which the
state was admitted into the Union, was composed of seventy-
five members from the several counties, and chosen from
all the various trades, professions and occupations. It has
been conceded that no abler body of men ever assembled to
perform this responsible function in any state. The instru-
ment has been most favorably criticised by the highest con-
stitutional legal talent in the Union, and its provisions have
been subjected to the most learned judicial investigations,
and have stood the test of the severest interpretations. So
satisfactory has it proved to be that scarcely any attempt
has been made to secure any amendments thereto. I refer
to this with much satisfaction, and in support of the con-
tention that the people of Montana are in the highest degree
qualified for the administration of state government.

Turning from the past to* a brief consideration of present
conditions it is relevant to inquire if Ave are keeping pace
with the world's progress in this era of rapid advancement.

Having opportunities for observation and comparison of
conditions and methods, I am convinced that the people of
this state are moving on planes of the highest standard on
all that pertains to industrial, scientific and intellectual
method and culture.

In the ennobling pursuit of agriculture they are abreast of
the times. The character and treatment of soils, systems of
irrigation, adaptation of plants and trees to climatic and

MONTANA, HER PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE. 85

other conditions are carefully studied and conducted upon
practical and scientific methods.

The influence of the well-equipped and ably-conducted
Agricultural College and Experimental Station at Bozeman,
upon the improvement in methods of horticulture and agri-
culture and allied industries, is manifest in every valley
in the state. The recent census reports reveal a most aston-
ishing increase in the value of farm property from 1890 to
1900. There was in that decade six times an increase of
acreage in cultivation, and in the value of farm property an
increase from f 48,000,000 to $117,000,000.

Nowhere in the United States, nor, indeed, in the wide
world, has the science of mining and metallurgic treatment
of the ores of copper and lead and of the precious metals,
which constitute our paramount industry, attained such a
high state of perfection as here. In all that relates- to this
industry, including pumping and hoisting machinery, con-
centration, calcining, blast furnace and reverberatory smelt-
ing, converter and electrolytic work, the discovery of new
methods and new devices and appliances for automatic oper-
ation, this state is far in advance of all others. Old methods
have been practically revolutionized, and low grade ores are
now being utilized that formerly went over the waste dump.

Morover, the available energy of our magnificent streams
ami waterfalls is being conducted in electric currents to
the centers of industry to supplant the use of steam; thus
insuring minimum costs of production in mining and manu-
facturing operations. The value of the annual mineral pro-
ducts of Montana, amounting to $60,000,000, tells the won-
derful story, and places it foremost in the list of Western
mineral producing states.

No other such fabulous deposits of copper ore as exist in the
mines at Butte have ever been known in the entire world.
They are easily yielding today from their apparently inex-
haustible veins one-fourth of the world's production.

Two great transcontinental systems of railway traverse

86 HIST< »Rj.CAL, S( K'IKTY <>K M< >NT.\NA

the state from east to west and two others penetrate its
southern boundaries, affording facilities of transportation
superior to thai in any other Western state. Our cities and
towns are built in the most substantia] manner, and equipped
with all the modern, elegant and luxurious improvements
thai can be found elsewhere.

The generous provisions in our municipal, county and
state laws for the establishment and support of common
. and high schools, and the great number of elegant and com-
modious school buildings, unsurpassed anywhere in the world,
indicate the prevailing sentiment in favor of higher educa-
tion.

Our state institutions of learning are models of excellence,
and are establishing high standards in all departments. The
fulfillment of these noblest conditions by those in authority
reflects the high character of our lawmakers and state offi-
cials and local boards who give direction to educational
matters. Men of the learned professions take high rank.
Our bankers and other business men have a national reputa-
tion for ability and integrity. The relations between em-
ployers and the employed are generally more satisfactory
than elsewhere, and nowhere are the surroundings of family
home life of the latter more comfortable or respectable, or
the facilities for schooling their children more favorable.

In addition to the high standard of culture and intelligence
which prevails here it can never be said or written of the
people of Montana that they are lacking in those noble
qualities of courage and patriotism which prompt any and
every sacrifice in defense of home and country and which,
from the earliest ages, have been the highest inspiration
of painter and poet; the apotheosis of human glory.

In the early fights with Indians, in the suppression of high-
waymen during the reign of terror, and during the Nez Perce
invasion, the valiant men of Montana were ever brave and
prompt in action.

More recently, at the call of the government for volunteers

MONTANA, HER PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE. 87

to avenge the sinking of the Maine, and to aid a neighboring
people to rid themselves of the tyrant's rule, the liberty-lov-
ing Montanians from towns, ranches and mines responded
quickly and greatly in excess of the requirements desired.
The record of the Rough Riders and of the First Montana
regiment will form a brilliant page in the history of the state.

What can I say of the future except that it is full of
promise far beyond, perhaps, the wildest dreams of enthusi-
asm? Its possibilities, in the light of invention and dis-
covers, are illimitable.

This is veritably the electric age and we are just entering
upon its threshold.

The inventive genius of the mind of man is as limitless as
space itself ; his hand already directs the subtle currents that
flash intelligence with instantaneous speed across and above
the mighty oceans.

We are laying out great plans for future action. The long-
cherished hopes of the people of the semi-arid regions of the
West for a comprehensive system of irrigation are to be real-
ized.

The great summer floods of the Rockies are to be stored
and used as required to vitalize vast areas of unproductive
land. No act of congress since the organic act admitting
Montana into the Union has so much significance for the
state. When the construction of the proposed system of
great reservoirs and ditches shall have been fairly begun
in various localities adapted to the application of the system,
widespread activity will arise, giving employment to great
numbers and ultimately the now desert and waste places
in all our beautiful valleys and graceful mountain slopes
will be radiant with green pastures, fruitful fields, happy
homes and thriving villages.

Much of the future depends upon us of today. We shall
not be remiss in duty. The pessimist should have no place
in any community or any party. It is our duty to plant that

88 IIISTi iKK'AI, Si K'HOTY i >F MONTANA

others may reap; to lay foundations that others may build;
to construct that others may enjoy.

What a grand characteristic of the average American
citizen that he is willing to contribute so much individual
effort for the public good. Without it no state or nation
could possibly become truly great. Legislation cannot en-
force it. It springs from spontaneous and generous impulse.

This has helped our country to make such rapid strides
and take the foremost place amongst the nations of the earth.
We are going to build an isthmian canal. We are rebuilding
our railways and doubling the facilities of traffic. AVe are
going to provide homes. and happiness for the millions un-
born as well as the millions that will come from other shores.

Right here on this continent is to be the great permanent
theater of human action, where, under the domination of
the Anglo-Saxon race, will be worked out the highest de-
velopment of civilization.

In every scene of the thrilling drama Montana, resplendent
with all her royal endowment of wealth of soil and forest
and mine, will play a. conspicuous part, contributing, when
necessary, by every sacrifice of treasure and blood, to the
maintenance of the nation's honor and sharing in all its
glories and splendid triumphs.

LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT.

BY HON. PARIS GIBSON, U. S. SENATOR.

Fellow-citizens of Montana: We are assembled here to-
day on the anniversary of our national independence, to ex-
press our gratitude, not only upon the completion of this
building, but upon the prosperous condition of resourceful
Montana and of the entire country.

"Our fathers' God! from out whose hand
The centuries fall like grains of sand,
We meet to-day, free
And loyal to our land and Thee."

90 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

The people of this Commonwealth can be congratulated
upon the completion of this commodious and well construct-
ed building, where those intrusted with its execution and
legislative affairs may transact state business with every
facility afforded by other and much older states.

This structure marks the beginning of a new period in the
history of Montana and establishes the fact, that upon this
elevated ground, over-looking the broad and beautiful Mis-
souri valley, the laws of this mountain state will be enacted,
so long as it shall be the home of independent, liberty-loving
men. Our legislative assemblies have hitherto had no abid-
ing place. They have been obliged to hold their sessions
where best they could in this city, and there has never been
a time when they have occupied other than poorly ventilated,
crowded places.

The work of the legislative department of Montana, from
its territorial organization until the present time, has been
characterized by great ability and patriotic efforts. In the
enactment of laws no stain rests upon its legislators. With
a state constitution framed in wisdom and far-reaching in
its provisions, laws may be enacted here, that will contribute
most to the upbuilding of a great and prosperous state. As
the law-making power of Montana, has so far, been exercised
for the fullest maintenance of the public welfare, may we not
hope that our future laws will always be framed wisely, and
for the best interests of our people.

Let us bear in mind, however, that beneath the unparalled
growth of our country in population and wealth, beneath the
rapid concentration of capital in the hands of a few men,
there may lurk a menace to the integrity of state and national
governments. The rapid expansion of the financial and com-
mercial affairs of the United States, during the past decade,
knows no parallel among civilized countries, while it excites
the wonder of the whole world. This unequalled national
development calls for the exercise of the greatest vigilance
lest we forget the principles of this government bequeathed
to us by its illustrious founders.

Orcccnccl sketch oj

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(jU^javiMy,

LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT.

If I mistake not, Montana, the largest of all the mountain
states and first in its latent wealth, is on the eve of an ad-
vance seldom equalled by any other state in the Union. It
therefore behooves us in this period of our history to look
well to the choice of the men who will constitute our legis-
lative bodies. Within this splendid building, where will be
made the laws of this rising state, no place should be found
for the man who will subordinate the public good to his
private gain. The varied interests of our State will demand

FRANCIS M. THOMPSON, BEAVERHEAD. MEMBBER 1ST ASSEMBLY

a wider range of statutes than are required in many other
states of the Union especially those which are almost wholly
agricultural, and if we hope to make Montana the center of
the many industries possible for it, we must so shape our
legislation that enterprising men with capital will be at-
tracted to this State. The perplexing questions relating to
capital and labor that will doubtless always confront our
law-makers require for their proper solution, the exercise of

TO HISTORICAL SOCIETY OP MONTANA

courage, intelligence and good judgment. It should be our
constant effort that here in Montana equal justice shall be
administered to all men, whether rich or poor, whether cap-
italists or wage-earners, for in no other way can the require-
ments of a government by the people be fulfilled.

Among the greatest interests that will command the at-
tention of our legislative assemblies, the settlement of the
public lands within our State, is in my opinion, of paramount
importance, and now that the reclamation and the occupation
of the arid domain by home-builders has become a part of
the national policy, our law-makers should, in every possi-
ble manner, second this noble and patriotic work of the
federal government.

The brave men who came to this part of the Eocky Moun-
tain country nearly forty years ago, facing in their westward
journey the ever present dangers of the plains, and who here
laid the solid foundations of statehood, were indeed empire*
builders whose names will occupy, through all time, the fore-
most place among Montana's patriotic men. They naturally
measured the resources of this country by the wealth of its
gold-producing placers, seeing little value in its mountains,
table-lands and dry plains, whenever they refused to disclose
a wealth of precious metals. But while these argonauts of
America, were gathering gold from our bars, they threw open
the gates of the Rocky Mountains to the world, and made the
settlement of our State possible. They established its bound-
aries, and gave to it its name, and enacted its first laws, with
wisdom seldom equalled.

Next came men who saw wealth in the summer-cured
grasses of our plains, and with them came also, quartz min-
ers bringing machinery with which to penetrate our moun-
tains and to extract from them their wealth of gold, silver,
copper and lead. We find therefore, to-day, as a result of our
precious minerals and our rich, wild grasses, that mining,
ore-smelting and pastoral stock-raising are the only well es-
tablished industries of our State.

1 1

IK?,;

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LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT. 93

Of these, we are justty proud, and we never cease to sing
the praises of the courageous men who have unfolded the
wealth of our mountains and who have established great
herds upon our plains ; but we have now reached the period
when we should look forward to the development of other
resources in this great and highly diversified State. Are we
to stop where we now are and say that with mining and
stock-growing, Montana has attained its full measure of in-
dustrial expansion? Must this wealth of common and use-
ful minerals that lie around us, everywhere, continue to be
unemployed, and shall our wide extent of rich soils Avashed
down from the mountains or thrown up by volcanic action,
remain undisturbed by the plow?

My fellow- citizens, it seems to me that moved by a common
impulse we here should resolve that our most patriotic ef-
forts shall be employed to the end that Montana may become
the most populous, the most progressive, and from an in-
dustrial standpoint the most powerful State west of the
Mississippi Valley. But this ambition can never be realized
until our prairies, plateaus and hillsides are dotted all over
with the homes of prosperous farmers, and until factories
and mills are found in every valley of our State. In all civil-
ized nations of the earth agriculture is the foundation stone
upon which prosperous, stable governments are built. Men
who till the soil have ever constituted the strength and the
defense of governments in every land, for it is natural that
the man who owns the land he cultivates will be ready to
defend it against his country's foes, whether foreign or do-
mestic.

I believe we have rested altogether too contentedly with our
mines, and our flocks and herds. We have not exercised suf-
ficent diligence in securing the settlement of farm colonies
upon such of our lands as home-makers can establish them-
selves upon. We have been satisfied to let immigrant farmers
from the upper Mississippi valley states pass through Mon-
tana and make homes upon lands inferior to much of our

:.4 HISTORICAL SOCIKTY nV MONTANA

own. We have extended no welcoming hand to the humble
farmer but have hailed with delight the advent of the miner,
the stock-grower and the speculator. The time has arrived
when we should realize the fact that if we would create a
great and populous state here in the Rocky Mountains, we
must convert much of our arid lands into homes for the peo-
ple. In the forceful words of President Roosevelt : "Through-
out our history the success of the home-maker has been but
another name for the upbuilding of the nation."

One of the great railway builders of our country, a man
thoroughly alive to the development of the northwestern
states, recently said : "Land without population is a wilder-
ness, and population without land is a mob." He further
says : "Our growing manufactories have always rested upon
the agricultural growth of the nation, and in the future they
must continue to rest there. Every manufacturer, every
merchant and every business man throughout the land, is
directly interested in maintaining the growth and the de-
velopment of our agricultural resources ; and when we come
to the question of intelligence, patriotism and good-citizen-
ship, the agricultural population stands out to-day as in the
past, as the great sheet-anchor of the nation."

Fortunatelv for Montana and her sister Rocky Mountain
states, the national government has at last come to the reali-
zation that in assisting in the reclamation and settlement of
the arid domain, it is adding immensely to the wealth and
stability of the whole nation. To permit the rich but dry
lands of the west to remain simply as pasture grounds, is
not in harmony with the progressive spirit of our country.
The recent act of congress by which the proceeds from sales
of our public lands are to be used as a fund for the reclama-
tion of our arid and semi -arid country, marks the dawn of
a new and most beneficent national policy. This measure will
know no cessation until all the vast expanse of irrigable
lands from British America on the north to Mexico on the

HON. SAMUEL WORD, SPEAKER
HON. JOHN F. PORBIS HON. J. O. SANDERS HON. GEO. STEEL

COL. W. P. SANDERS MAJ. E. G. BROOKE MA.T. JAS, FERGUS

HON. \V. J. MCCORMICK HON. GRANVILLE STUART HON. PAUL MCCORMICK

11TH SESSION HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, MONTANA TERRITORY. 1870

LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT. 95

south, has been converted into homes for millions of Ameri-
can citizens.

It is impossible for the mind of man to comprehend the
benefits our country will derive from the occupation of all
the possible farm lands west of the 100th degree of longitude ;
nor can we who are assembled here fully realize the splendid
development of national interests the* awaits our own State
when a portion of the flood waters that annually flow down
from our mountains are held in reserve here, and are diverted
as may be required over our arid plains and valleys. Mil-
lions of acres of land now unoccupied save by roving bands
of cattle and sheep will be transformed into thriving, thickly
settled agricultural districts and prosperous towns and vil-
lages. Then will Montana take her place among the greatest
and most prosperous farming and manufacturing states of
the Union.

Fellow citizens, there is no other way by which Montana
can become a great and populous state, except by the estab-
lishment here of farm colonies on an extensive scale, and
the upbuilding of agriculture on our soil. Our broad range
lands can support but few, if any, more herds and flocks.
Our great copper, gold and silver mines and smelters will
be operated in the future by improved and labor saving
methods, and will consequently give employment to a smaller
number of men than at present; but if we shall succeed in
converting our productive, irrigable lands into thousands of
homes for the people, the expansion of our state, in every
direction will be assured. The ledges of high-grade iron
ores that traverse nearly all our mountain ranges, will no
longer be unused, but will afford employment to large forces
of men in our own state, while being converted into innum-
erable articles required by the world. The cultivation of
our farm lands and the production of all the crops that can
be grown on the soils of this highly favored agricultural
state, mean a rapid accumulation of wealth within our boun-
daries, as it will bring to an end the outflow of millions of

96 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

dollars, annually expended for the purchase of farm and
dairy products grown in the valleys of the Mississippi and
Red River.

It is not to the credit of enterprising Montana that our
miners and mill men, and the population of our villages,
cities and ranges are subsisting mainly upon the products
of other states. We cannot be too often reminded that the
agricultural products of every well balanced state, consti-
tute its solid and most permanent wealth. Our great mines
are owued mostly by non-residents, and the dividends earned
by them do not belong to the citizens of Montana, while the
earnings from our cultivated valleys and table-lands, will
remain here and will be constantly added to the permanent
wealth of our state. Let us not forget, also, that the men
who will be reared upon the farm lands of Montana, will
occupy higher places in the affairs of our state and nation
than any other class of Montana's citizens, for the economy
and diligence practiced on the farm, and the healthful in-
fluences of farm life, will ever constitute the best possible
foundation for success in manhood.

The establishment of an extensive agriculture here, now
made possible by the recent Irrigation act of congress,
means the beginning of a development in Montana in many
directions, seldom surpassed in the history of states and na-
tions. If our state which holds within its boundaries 147,000
square miles of farm and mineral lands is thrown open to
agriculture and to diversified manufacturing, it should in 25
years, furnish homes for more than two millions of people.
The capacity of Montana to sustain a great population, if
employed in varied industries, is well illustrated by France,
whose area of mountains, valleys and plains is but little more
than one-third greater than that of Montana, and which
contains a population of 38,000,000, and also by England,
which with one-third the area of our state contains a popula-
tion of 32,000,000.

These figures will convey to us some adequate conception

LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT. 97

of the population of Montana in the centuries to come, when
employment shall be furnished to her people in a great va-
riety of industries. To believe that the rich but dry lands
of Montana will not be reclaimed and settled is equivalent
to a disbelief in the onward inarch of our great and glorious
country. I fully believe that the most advanced civilization
of our nation will, in the process of time, be found here upon
the highlands of the continent and that Montana will be
the most prominent among the states, as the home of a strong
and invincible race of men.

I never look out in springtime, through the clear atmos-
phere, upon our mountains, plateaus and broad valleys, that
I do not feel in my heart the pulsations of gratitude that my
home is in Montana. One of the recent Presidents of the
United States spoke of the far-west as composed of "unde-
sirable states." How feeble was this man's comprehension
of the grandeur and the illimitable resources of this Rocky
Mountain country. Hear what Senator Morgan of Alabama,
scholar, statesman and orator, has to say of this part of the
nation in which our homes are situated : "The Alpine regions
of Europe have been the nurseries of a people for many ages,
who have been renowned for public and private virtues, and
we have in the mountain lands of our northwest a home in
which many noble and true generations will be reared. The
roof tree planted there will spread its prosperous branches in
peace, and no storms will be strong enough to uproot it. It
is a land of wonderful natural features, a land of strong, bold
and strenuous manhood. It is beyond our present compre-
hension to realize the wealth of beauty, strength and progress
that in a thousand years will be developed on the mountain
slopes and in the valleys of this great divide that forms the
water-shed between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

98 1 I ISTOKICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT.

BY EX GOV. ROBERT B. SMITH.

In order to properly understand the labor and efforts con-
nected with the Executive Department of Montana or any
other State or country, a proper knowledge of the conditions
existing and of the people embraced within the jurisdiction is
absolutely necessary.

Montana was organized as a Territory of the United States
on the 26th day of May, 1864, a little more than thirty-eight
years since. At the time of its organization the country was
almost wholly unknown; the Indians who for centuries had
roamed over its vast plains and mountains were almost as
wild, untamed and unknown as the day when Captain Clark
and Captain Merriwether Lewis made their famous trip
through its boundaries in the early part of the last century.

The white settlements were confined to Bannack, Virginia
City, Deer Lodge, Pioneer and Missoula — with possibly a few
explorers or trappers scattered here and there, — the great
bulk of the white population being in Madison and Beaver-
head counties.

Among the people who early rushed into Montana, upon
the discovery of her fabulous gold mines, there was a large
percentage of criminals and lawless characters who thought
they saw an opportunity to follow their nefarious calling in
this boundless and almost unknown country. Here they
sought to prey upon their fellow-men and to follow their own
dictates without regard to right, to law, or order, but there
were among the Pioneers of those early days a determined
lot of men who loved right and justice, law and order, and
who determined to rid the community of this lawless ele-
ment.

GOVERNOR PRESTON H. LESLIE

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT. 99

It was in this condition of affairs that Montana was cre-
ated and the Honorable Sidney Edgerton, a native of New
York State, born at Cazenovia, August 17, 1818, was appoint-
ed as the first Governor of the Territory of Montana.

In order to fully appreciate the labors imposed upon the
Executive it must be remembered that the Executive Depart-
ment of any State or nation has more to do directly with the
affairs and concerns of the people than any other Department
of State. The legislature is concerned only in the making of
law, and in this labor the Executive is as much engaged as
the members of the Legislature. All the details and affairs of
government must come under the direction, management and
control of the Executive, and frequently there is imposed
upon the Executive duties almost wholly judicial in their
character, so that while the duties of the legislature and of
the Judicial Department may be onerous they are exclusive
in their character and deal only with the law as it is written.
The Executive must deal with this written law both in the
making and frequently in its construction, and in addition
thereto must solve all the minute and detailed problems of
business affairs incumbent upon the Executive Department
of any State.

Governor Edgerton, at the time of his appointment was in
the prime of his long and useful career, was strong by nature
and well equipped by education and experience to grapple
with the different problems that confronted him on every
hand. Nothing daunted, he manfully set to work, assisted
by the better element of society, to bring into existence some
Code of Laws for the better government, peace and happiness
of our beloved State, and for the protection of those who had
cast their lot in this new country, to become the founders
and builders of the magnificent Commonwealth that has sup-
planted the struggling and unknown Territory.

As the Chief Executive, Governor Edgerton became a prom-
inent personage in the enactments of the First Legislature
that convened in Bannack, December 12, 1861. His message

100 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

delivered to. that assembly conclusively shows that he well
understood the needs and requirements, most pressing for
attention at the hands of the Legislature. It displays a
broad and well defined understanding of public affairs, and
his recommendations and suggestions are made with a clear
insight into the then present and future needs of the hetero-
geneous population gathered within the confines of Mon-
tana. Governor Edgerton did not long remain in Montana ;
he left the Territory September 1865, — and,

Honorable Thomas Francis Meagher, the gallant son of
Old Erin, who led his brigade with signal bravery against
St. Marie Heights at Fredericksburg, Virginia, being secre-
tary of the Territory, became for the time being the acting-
Governor of Montana. Historians writing of this gallant
and intrepid patriot, consider that he was by nature best
fitted to serve the Court of Mars, and that by nature and
temperament he was not so well equipped to serve in the
more quiet and conservative paths of civil life. It was during
his active service as Governor that the Sioux, Cheyennes and
other warlike Indians on the Eastern confines of the Terri-
tory became aggressive and restless and the Military Author-
ity of the United States was required to subdue them. Un-
fortunately, Governor Meagher met with an accident on July
1st, 1867, which terminated his life by drowning in the Mis-
souri river at Fort Benton.

Governor Meagher was succeeded in 1866 by Governor
Green Clay Smith, appointed from Kentucky by President
Johnson. During Governor Smith's administration four
sessions of the Legislative Assembly were held; twTo regular
and two extraordinary sessions.

In 1869 Governor James M. Ashley of Ohio was commis-
sioned as Governor of Montana by President Grant, and
some time in 1870 or 1871 Governor Benjamin F. Potts, also
of Ohio, was appointed by President Grant as Governor of
Montana, which position he continued to hold by reappoint-
ment until January 15th, 1883, being by far the longest ad-

1. GEN. J. J. HULL

•2. GEN. MARTIN BEEM

3. GEN. GEO. \V. HINSON

4. GOV. GREEN CLAY SMITH

S. GEN. NEIL HOWIE G. GEN. HAMILTON CUMMINGS

7. <JEN. M. S. CARPENTER

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT. 101

ministration of any Governor who has been called upon to
administer the affairs of our beloved State or Territory. Dur-
ing the administration of Governor Potts the Territory
moved forward rapidly, and from a country devoted almost
wholly to mining, in 1870 it had developed very many other
characteristics and much of its natural resources.

The agricultural and stock-raising resources of the Terri-
tory during this period had been fairly tested, and its possi-
bilities in these directions were beginning to be understood.
Mining for gold had been continued and in addition Silver
Mining and Copper Mining had taken great strides toward
the ultimate place they were to assume in the development
of the resources of our State.

January 15, 1883, Governor John Schuyler Crosby of New
York qualified as the next Governor of the fast growing
Territory. Governor Crosby comes of a distinguished family
in the early settlement of this country, but the most remark-
able feature of his administration was the dramatic way in
which he took possession of the Territory when he reached
its borders at Monida, and the number of Legislative meas-
ures that met with his opposition and Executive veto.

It is to be very much regretted that our historical society
has not kept a better record of the lives, characteristics and
public acts of the Executives of this State and Territory.*

With the exception of Governor Edgerton, whose life and
work is fairly presented, none of the earlier Executives from
Governor Edgerton to and including Governor Crosby seem

*It is not the province of the Historical Society to write histories or bio-
graphical sketches, but to preserve them as they are written by others and to
publish them at such times as may be apropriate. As far as lay in its power,
the Society has preserved all manuscripts, books and newspapers containing
valuable material. It has, however, suffered two disastrous fires in its lifetime
and thus lost a great deal of the historical matter preserved in its library,
.-n additional reason for the lack of data concerning Montana's first execu-
tive officers is the fact that none of the Territorial governors remained in
office longer than two years, with the single exception of Governor Potts, who
served from 1871 to 1883, twelve years. One period of four years— July 13, 1866
to July 13, 1870— saw three governors of Montana. See page 288, Volume I
and pages 365-393, volume II, "Contributions."— (Ed. ">

102 HISTORICAL SoCIKTV OK .MONTANA

to have engaged the thought or labor of contemporaneous
historians. Nowhere in the Historical work of the Society or
the many mushroom histories that have found a place in our
libraries is there a character sketch or anything relating to
the public or private lives or the public acts of these earlier
executives.

A fair statement of the work of the Executives of the Ter-
ritory and State of Montana would in fact reflect largely
the history of the State itself, and for this reason, if no other,
it is exceedinly unfortunate that more is not known or re-
corded of the work of the different Governors that from time
to time have controlled the Executive Department of our
State and Territory. I dare say that no large percentage
of the population of this great Commonwealth are able to
give the consecutive order or the dates of inauguration of
our Governors.

In 1884, Governor Crosby was succeeded by Governor B.
Piatt Carpenter, also of the State of New York, who occu-
pied the Executive office for about a year, and he was suc-
ceeded by Governor Samuel T. Hauser, a native of Ken-
tucky, who for more than twenty years had been a resident
of the Territory of Montana. He was the first resident to be
appointed to this exalted position. Governor Hauser had
been one of the earliest pioneers of Montana, and had done as
much toward its development and material growth as any
one who had settled within her confines. His appointment
as Governor was regarded by all citizens and all parties in
the Territory as happy and fortunate, and it was hoped that
his appointment was a recognition of the just claims of the
people of the Territories that appointments to public office
should be made from the residents of each Territory respec-
tively.

The sterling and progressive character of Governor Hauser
and his life for more than twenty years among the pioneers
of this region, gave to his appointment and his administra-
tion great strength with the people of the Territory. His

DR. W. C. HOPKINS JUDGE H. L. HOSMER .Il'DGE H. L. WARREN

ACTING GOV. JAMES TUFTS MR. GEO. HANNAH

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT. 103

private business and interests were so diversitied and numer-
ous that he found it impractical to hold the office for the
full term of his appointment, and in the winter of 1887 he
resigned his position so that he might give his undivided at-
tention to his private affairs.

Governor Hauser was succeeded in office by Ex-Governor
Preston H. Leslie, of Kentucky, who came to us fully equip-
ped for the position, having spent a long life in the discharge
of public duties and having served one full term and an un-
expired term as Governor of Kentucky. During his long and
useful life Governor Leslie has been frequently called to fill
the most exalted positions within the gift of the people of
Kentucky and Montana. He served as Circuit Judge, State
Senator, Lieutenant Governor, and Governor of his native
State, and later was appointed Governor of our beloved Ter-
ritory and brought to the discharge of the duties of his high
office a mature intellect, trained and qualified by experience
to meet every requirement. In the Spring of 1889, after
Congress had made provision for our admission as a State,
Governor Leslie was succeeded in office by the appointment
of Governor Benjamin F. White, a native of Massachusetts,
— but who had been for nearly ten years previous and ever
since has been one of the prominent and valued citizens of
Montana, largely interested in the development of the mater-
ial and natural resources of our Commonwealth. During the
comparatively short administration of Governor White the
Convention to frame a Constitutional Convention for the
future State met at Helena and performed its functions by
preparing a Constitution which on the 8th day of November,
1889, was ratified by the votes of the Electors of the Terri-
tory, and by this action, and the subsequent Proclamation of
President Harrison, the Territory of Montana laid aside
its swaddling clothes and became invested with the full re-
galia of Statehood and took her place in the galaxy of States
as the Forty-first State of the Union.

At the election in November, 1889, when Montana put on

104 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

the robes of Statehood and assumed her proud position
among the Commonwealths of the Union, a Native Son of
Missouri, who had more than 20 years previously adopted
Montana as his home was chosen by the free and independent
Electors of this intrepid young Commonwealth as her first
Executive. His administration was trying and exacting on
account of the many changes necessary in the transition from
the Territorial condition to the full measure of Statehood,
and on account of the sharp political conflicts which
resulted in a deadlock in the First Legislative Assembly,
and prevented the passage of legislation necessary to the wel-
fare and happiness of our beloved State.

This first State Administration was marked by such sharp
political rivalry between the leading parties in the State
that it left scars which time and a better understanding of
our people among themselves may heal and cure.

But, when the term of our first State Executive had elapsed
it was not to be the end of his public life, for, in 1900, after
having been eight years in the discharge of his duties as a
private citizen, like Cincinnatus of old, the Honorable Ex-
Governor Joseph K. Toole was again called to assume the
duties of Governor of Montana, which position he fills today
by the suffrage of the Electors of our Grand Commonwealth,
and his second administration begins under most favorable
auspices.

In 1892, at the second State election, Governor J. E. Rick-
ards, a native of Delaware, but a citizen of Montana since
1882, was elected to the Chief Magistry of Montana, and dis-
charged the duties of his position faithfully for the full per-
iod of four years. During this administration there was in
its earlier stages much political conflict which greatly re-
tarded the passage of needed laws and legislation to fully set
in motion the wheels of government, but these conditions
were met and solved by Governor Rickards in an able man-
ner, and under his direction the construction of the State
Normal School, the Agricultural College, the School of

BUILDING OCCUPIED BST TERRITORIAL OFFICERS, VIRGINIA CITY.

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT. 105

Mines, the Deaf and Dumb School, and the Orphan's Home
were begun, and one or two of them almost carried to comple-
tion.

The present system and Code of Laws for the State was
adopted in 1895 by the Legislature, which has greatly as-
sisted the people and public officials in the discharge of the
duties imposed upon them.

In 1896, by some movement of the political wheel, the
speaker, a native of Kentucky but a citizen of Montana by
adoption some 11 years previously, was by the people of
Montana chosen Governor for the ensuing four years. It
would not be in good taste for me to refer at length to the
various measures adopted and put into operation during
these four years, which I believe time has demonstrated to
be for the public weal. Suffice it to say that the public in-
stitutions begun during the previous administration were all
carried to completion and the respective schools and institu-
tions duly installed, and in addition thereto the University
of Montana was builded, and our principal institution of
learning installed in its permanent Home.

The State of Montana had until now been without a home
for the discharge of its public functions, but during this
period this splendid Capitol which would do credit to any
State, — this creation of the artistic tastes and ideas of our
people, — was begun and almost carried to completion. The
finishing touches and ornamentation being left for the pres-
ent administration. In 1898, the Call of our common coun-
try for soldiers to fight her cause was heard by the people
of our grand Commonwealth, and at my call and invitation
there sprang to arms from the loins of Montana, as from the
loins of Jupiter, a young giant ready, willing and anxious to
do battle for its country, and we had the proud satisfaction
of organizing and sending forth the first regular armed force
of citizen soldiery from our grand State. As to the manner
in which we discharged the duties incumbent upon us, and
the condition of our Commonwealth at the expiration of these

106 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OP MONTANA

four years, we shall let the people of this State now and in
the future declare.

But the four years' experience in the Executive Office
fully confirms me in the opinion that in the selection of Gov-
ernor the people cannot be too careful. Many and varied are
the duties imposed upon the Chief Executive of a State. He
represents one of the co-ordinate branches of the Govern-
ment in the legislation of the State. lie must approve or
veto the acts of the Legislature, and in order to do this in-
telligently he should have a good knowledge of the funda-
mental law of the State, and of the proper construction of
laws. In being thus vested with the veto power, and in the
discharge of many of his Executive duties in seeing the laws
of the State properly executed, — and in our State as the
Chairman of six separate Boards in the management of the
affairs of the State and its various institutions, — the Gov-
ernor is charged with many duties almost purely judicial iD
character. In addition to such duties as call for judicial
qualities, he is charged with duties purely executive that re-
quire prompt, vigorous and energetic action. He should be
a man capable of deciding promptly when the occasion arises
the problems presented for solution. The many and diverse
duties imposed require of the Executive patience and stead-
fastness of purpose ; the numerous inquiries, official and pure-
ly personal, which are made of the Executive, require that
he should at all times have control of himself and be ready
to listen to any person who thinks he has a right to submit
his inquiries to the Executive. This may at times test his
patience, but it is best to bear with these annoyances, for
often they are made in the best of faith by good citizens who
deserve good treatment.

The fact that the Governor is called upon to select and
commission very many men to discharge public duties dur-
ing his term of office suggests that he should have a large
acquaintance throughout the whole State, in order that Jie
may the more intelligently discharge these duties.

B. F. POTTS S. T. HAUSER J. M. ASHLEY

TERRITORIAL GOVERNORS

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT. 107

The last qualification I shall mention is not to be consid-
ered on that account the least. In fact I verily believe it is
the first qualification which ought to be looked for in a Gov-
ernor, viz : He should possess a substantial backbone, as it
is commonly known in political parlance. No other quali-
fication will be needed so often. He should be able to dis-
cern his public duty with reference solely to public welfare,
and, knowing that duty, should have the courage to perform
it though the Heavens fall.

The Territory and State of Montana has been singularly
fortunate in the men who have been chosen as its Governors.
With few exceptions they have been men possessing all the
requisites necessary to properly and intelligently discharge
the high trust to which they were called. They came from
various callings in life and from a widely scattered nativity.
Six have been of the profession of the law. Four are and
were successful business men largely instrumental in de-
veloping our State; one a clergyman ; one a politician and
diplomat.

Four of Montana's Governors hail from the proud old
Commonwealth of Kentuckv, three are from New York, two
from Ohio, and one each from Massachusetts, Delaware
and Missouri, but it must be recollected that the MISSOUR-
IAN has been called twice, thus aiding somewhat that
State's representation.

I trust that the people may always have at heart the wel-
fare of our State in the selection of Governor and the other
officers, and that they being finally established in their per-
manent homes in this building, which is and ought to be an
inspiration to them to give their best endeavors to the State,
may go on increasing in wisdom and in the determination to
give to our people the very best possible government. If
these objects are kept in view by the public servants of the

* Green Clay Smith after leaving- Montana was converted, and be-
came a brilliant minister of the Baptist church — preaching1 in Washing-

ton City

108 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OP MONTANA

people our State will grow and expand in its natural re-
sources and the people will learn to love and revere public
virtue, the dark clouds and ignominy which in any way have
afflicted us or cast a pall over the fair fame and name of our
beloved State will in the deep bosom of oblivion be buried,
and the SUN which now gilds the horizon of our greatness
will display our grandeur when it reaches the zenith.

HON. THEODORE BRANTLY

JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT. 109

JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT.

BY THEO, BRANTLY, CHIEF JUSTICE,

The history of Montana, as a territory and state, when
measured merely by the number of years over which it has
extended, is comparatively brieff and commonplace; -but
when we consider in detail the significant events which go to
make it up, giving to each its appropriate relation, the narra-
tive excites the profoundest interest. It is the story of the
foundation and growth of a great commonwealth. Since the
time at which it first had legal existence as a political entity,
the period usually allotted to a single generation has scarcely
passed away. Indeed, there are still left among us a few who
dwelt within our boundaries at the time when each one was
a law unto himself, and there was no restraint upon his ac-
tions save that which every right-minded man similarly sit-
uated imposes upon himself, or which is enjoined by a whole-
some fear of his more honest neighbor. Such property rights
as were then enjoyed were acquired by discovery and appro-
priation only. The arm of the law was not long enough, nor
strong enough, to guarantee and protect them. Against the
depredations of hostile Indians, or the more cruel and ruth-
less pirates of the plain and mountain passes, there was no
safeguard but the resolute hearts and strong arms of the
rightful possessors. In those days our mountains and plains
were silent, trackless solitudes, save where disturbed by the
cry of wild beasts or marked by the trail of the Indian or
buffalo. They were but just beginning to awake from the
silence of ages to the sound of the on-coining march of civil-
ization heralded by its advance guard of trappers and pros-
pectors. These resolute spirits having viewed the land, found
it goodly and well favored. They found its streams flowing

110 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OP MONTANA

with gold and its mountains ready to yield their wealth of
precious metals. There were broad plains to furnish pasture
for countless flocks and herds, and rich valleys awaiting to
reward the efforts of assiduous husbandry with fifty and a
hundred-fold increase. There were mighty forests from
which to build homes aud supply the demands of manufac-
tures and commerce.

Gold was found in various places during the years 1861
and T>2. During the latter days of May, or the first days of
June, 1S63, Alder Gulch, characterized as the greatest placer
on the globe, was discovered by Fairweather and his com-
panions. The tidings went quickly eastward aud westward.
First came the influx of miners from the older mining centres
of the west. Then, as the news spread, came the venturous
and enterprising younger men from the east. During the
following two years came the defeated and impoverished
veterans from the south, presently to meet their erstwhile
enemies from the north, now discharged from an arduous
service in the federal army and free to join in the quest for
fortune in the hitherto unknown west, each anxious to for-
get the arts and antagonisms of war, provided only they could
gain the rewards of honorable and peaceful industry. There
were those also who came from bevond the seas to cast their
lot in a land which held forth promise to every one who pos-
sessed the courage to endure hardship and danger. There
were among them lawyers, doctors, ministers, engineers,
mechanics, teamsters, — men of high and low degree from
every walk of life. These elements, animated by the same
impulse and surrounded by common perils and difficulties,
fraternized, and, in the effort to win individual success, laid
the foundation upon which our statehood rests.

We may not now pause to dwell upon the events which,
crowded into these brief years, have wrought great results
upon our state and national life. Much has been written of
what is of direct and special interest to Montana, and of what
has transpired among our people during our growth to state-

W
»

W
H

JUDICIAL, DEPARTMENT. Ill

hood, as well as of our material progress and standing in the
sisterhood of states. The task yet remains, however, to some
lover of our state, who has the talent and the time and the
patience, to embody in appropriate form a memorial of the
deeds and events which have conspired to make us a great
and prosperous people.

During the years 1862, '3, and '4, and until the Act of
Congress of May 26, 1864, creating the Territory of Mon-
tana, what is now Montana belonged to the jurisdiction first
of Washington and then of Idaho. Idaho was made a Terri-
tory on March 3, 1863. From that time until the meeting of
its first legislature, in December of that year, Montana was
practically an independent commonwealth. When Alder
Gulch was discovered, Virginia City sprang up and became
the centre of population, and its people organized their own
government; for in the meantime and until the meeting of
the legislature, they were not subject to the statutes of any
state or territory. The miner's court, the offspring of the
necessities of the people and their love for fair play, pro-
nounced its judgments and through its executive officers car-
ried them into effect without question. These were not legal-
ly constituted courts, nor were they courts of record, but
they served the purposes of a people who were satisfied, pro-
vided their rights were settled and the dispute ended. Their
judgments were speedy and final. There was no appeal.

The organization of the first court in Alder Gulch took
place on June 9, 1863, the day the claims were staked off,
with Dr. G. G. Bissell, judge; Richard Todd, sheriff, and
Henry Edgar, recorder. Todd was succeeded in his office of
sheriff by J. B. Caven in September. Shortly after, upon his
resignation, Henry Plummer, the leader of the road agents,
assumed the office.

This independent government gave way to the jurisdiction
of the territorial government of Idaho for a few months until
our own territorial government was organized and put in

112 HISTORICAL, SOCIETY OF MONTANA

operation by the first session of the legislature convened at
Bannaek on December 12, 1864.

No judicial history of Montana, however brief, would be
complete without some reference to the stirring events con-
nected with the administration of criminal law during this
transition period. The history of the vigilance committee
has been made familiar to all by Dimsdale and Langford.
Much casuistry may be indulged in as to the right and neces-
sity of its doings. We must remember, however, that the arm
of the law was not strong enough to extend to the people
needed protection, and that, wherever it is a question, as it
was then, whether peace and order shall prevail over crime
and lawless spoliation, society may act in its own defense,
by the use of whatever means may be necessary to preserve
its life by protecting and insuring personal safety and indi-
vidual rights. Necessity knows no law. Whatever wrongs
or mistakes may have been committed by the men constitut-
ing this organization, its existence was justified by the neces-
sities of the times, and the salutary results accomplished by
it, must stand as its vindication.

The territorial government was of the same model as that
which has prevailed generally in the states, consisting of the
executive, the legislative and judicial departments. The ex-
ecutive officers and judges of courts of record were appointed
by the president of the federal government. The leg-
islative and local officers were left to election by the people.
Promptly after the passage of the Organic Act, the president
appointed the chief justice and the two associate justices
authorized by it. These were: H. L. Hosmer, chief justice;
and L. P. Williston and Ammi Giddings, associates. They
were appointed in June, 1864. Associate Justice Giddings
declined to serve, and L. E. Munson was commissioned in his
stead in March, 1865. The Act provided that the territory
should be divided into three judicial districts, and that dis-
trict courts should be held in each of these districts at such
times and places as should be prescribed by law. It was

HON. GEORGE R. MILBURN

JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT. 113

also ordained that the jurisdiction, original and appellate,
should be limited by law.

The chief justice arrived in Montana and reached Virginia
City in October, 1864. Justice Williston arrived about the
same time and, taking up his residence at Bannack, held
court there. The territory was then five months old, and
there was no law governing it except the Organic Act, which
guaranteed nothing else but the fact of political existence.
Things were in a chaotic condition. There was pressing need
for the intervention of courts to settle pending disputes, but
no procedure was provided. Law libraries were not to be
had, and if they had been available, they would have furnish-
ed no authentic procedure, and but few precedents to guide
the newly constituted courts to a correct solution of the in-
tricate and difficult questions presented. No legislature had
then met to enact the necessary provisions, and for the time
being the courts were left largely to the guidance of common
sense, supplemented by the previous training of the individ-
ual justices and aided by their own recollection and that of
the members of the bar whose knowledge and advice was,
of course, always readily offered. The district court con-
vened at Virginia City for the first time on the first Monday
in December, 1864, in the dining room of the Planters' House.

Inasmuch as the territory had been a part of Idaho, it was
decided that the statutes of the latter should be the guide
in matters of procedure and litigated rights, in so far as
they were applicable, and that otherwise the rule by which
litigated rights should be settled, should be the common law.
The jurisdiction, though still undefined, was both federal
and territorial, a fact which added further difficulty and un-
certainty. The justices, being new arrivals from the out-
side world, were looked upon with some degree of jealousy
and suspicion by the people, as foreigners and interlopers,
the extent of whose usefulness to the community was, at
least, doubtful and uncertain. This latter statement is well
illustrated by an episode which occurred in Virginia City at

114 HISTORICAL. SOCIETY OF MONTANA

the adjournment of court on the first day of its sitting. Chief
Justice Hosmer had empanelled and instructed a grand jury,
lie had called their attention to the doings of the vigilance
committee during the previous two years; he had approved
them on the ground of necessity, but counselled that, since
courts had been organized, summary proceedings should
give way to the law. A citizen who had listened to the charge
remarked to him : "We are glad that the government has
sent you here. We have some civil matters to attend to, but
you had better let us take charge of the criminal affairs." This
same spirit was also illustrated by another incident which
occurred after the opening of court at Helena by Justice
Munson in August, 1865. In charging the grand jury he took
occasion to sav that whatever excuse there might have been
theretofore for secret trials and midnight executions, now
that the courts were organized the necessity for them had
passed away. The next day he was called upon by three
citizens who took the liberty, on behalf of the camp, to ques-
tion the propriety of his language.

In a general way the opinion prevailed that after the courts
were organized criminal trials and punishments should be the
work of the courts. Nevertheless, the speedier and more
effective methods of the vigilance committee were resorted
to for several vears after the courts were established. For
several years after this took place, though murders were fre-
quent, there was no conviction in any case by the courts ; but
now and then the guilty culprit was found hanging upon
some lonely tree with the word "Vigilantes" pinned upon his
back. The sentiment seemed to be against the infliction of
the death penalty, as was said by a talesman when upon his
voir dire at the trial of John Thorborn for the murder of
Chamberlain at Central City, "in all cases where it is not
done by a vigilance committee." The first legal convic-
tion for murder was that of Sam Perry in 1870. He escaped
by digging out of jail, and was never punished.

But, notwithstanding the difficulties which surrounded

HON. W. T. PIGOXT

JUDICIAL, DEPARTMENT.

115

these men, they set about their stupendous task earnestly
and with integrity of purpose, and in the end won the univer-
sal confidence and respect, if not the universal approval,
of the people. The first session of court at Virginia City
lasted continuously for six months, during which many novel
questions, both of procedure and substantive law, were de-
cided. In the meantime the legislature had met at Bannack
and enacted a Code. This, though in some respects crude and
imperfect, prescribed rules of procedure, enacted many pro-
visions of substantive law, and, in fact, furnished the basis
of the Codes which are now in use.

W. H. HUNT

I have been unable to find a record of any meeting of the
Justices at which the territory was apportioned into districts
earlier than June 12, 1S6.7. Presumably such meetings were
had from time to time and proper apportionments made. In
any event, district courts were regularly convened in the
several counties by the different Justices. At a meeting held
at Virginia City on the date last mentioned, an order was
made fixing a term of the Supreme Court to convene at that

116 MISTOKUWI, SOCIETY OF MONTANA

place on the first Monday in August thereafter, "with ad-
journments to such other times and places'' as might be neces-
sary. At the same time the territory was apportioned into
districts. Madison and Gallatin counties with a portion of
the Big Horn country, were assigned to the Chief Justice;
Deer Lodge, Beaverhead and Missoula counties to Justice
Williston; and Jefferson, Edgerton and Chouteau counties,
with the territory theretofore designated as Meagher and
Musselshell counties to Justice Munson. Thereafter, and
except as changes were made necessary by the wants of the
people, courts were regularly held at Virginia City, Gallatin
City, Bannack, Deer Lodge, Missoula, Helena and Diamond
City; Chouteau and Jefferson counties being attached to
Edgerton county (now Lewis & Clarke) for judicial pur-
poses, and Diamond City being the seat of justice for the rest
of the district. United States cases arising in the respective
districts were heard and determined at Virginia City, Deer
Lodge and Helena. In the summer of 1865 was held the first
term of the Supreme Court, at Virginia City, made the capi-
tal of the territory by the Bannack legislature.

The court was made up of all the Justices. Thus it was
that it sat as a court of review upon cases which had been
tried by the respective Justices in the several districts. Hence
the charge, so often heard in those days, that the court was
a "logrolling court,'' the charge meaning that by this arrange-
ment the nisi prius judgments of each Justice were sustained
by the court out of regard for the feelings of the Justice
whose judgment was in question. This charge I think an ex-
amination of the reports of decided cases will demonstrate to
be unfounded. By Act of Congress of July 10, 1886, this
anomaly was corrected by a provision that no Justice should
sit in a case brought up from the district court over which
he presided.

The first question presented to the court arose upon a pe-
tition for a writ of mandate to try the right of office of one of
the county officers of Edgerton (Lewis & Clarke) county.

JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT. 117

There is no record of the proceedings in this case, nor a com-
plete record of those in any other until the December term
1868, the files and briefs having been lost. Volume 1 of the
reported cases opens with the case of Thomas vs. Smith, an
appeal from Deer Lodge county, from a judgment of the
district court. Williston judge, refusing a writ of mandate
to Smith, as treasurer of that county, to pay a certain war-
rant. The judgment was reversed and the writ ordered to
issue. This was case numbered 35, the numbers beginning
with the case of Steele vs. Story, the first one filed at the
August term 1867. Thereafter the opinions of the court were
delivered in writing and enrolled in the journal. On
January 4, 1872, the legislature authorized the publication of
these opinions, and all then and thereafter written have been
published. The court continued its sittings at Virginia City
until Helena became the capital and the government was re-
moved to it in 1S75. The unsatisfactory condition of the
records of the court during the time from its first organiza-
tion until the December term 1868, is perhaps to be attributed
to the differences which arose between the court and the
legislature. The first legislature adjourned without making
provision for its subsequent meetings. On this account the
court refused to recognize the Acts passed by an extra ses-
sion which convened in the winter of 1865, and also a session
held in the winter of 1867. Congress subsequently sustained
the court, and passed an enabling act for the legislature in
1867. The bar and the people naturally took the part of the
legislature, and because of the antagonisms and uncertain-
ties thus produced, the regular progress of business was in-
terrupted.

In the meantime the Justices first appointed had served
out their terms and retired. The December term of 1868 was
held by Henry L. Warren, Chief Justice, and Hiram
Knowles, associate. Justice Munson was absent and never
returned to the territory: so that no opinion in writing, so

118 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OP MONTANA

far as the record shows, was ever delivered by any member of
the court, as tirst constituted.

From the establishment of the courts until the admission
of the territory into the Union as a state, when, under the
Constitution, the Supreme Court was established as it now
exists, the following Chief Justices were appointed and serv-
ed: Hezekiah L. Ilosmer, four years; Henry L. Warren,
three years: Decius S. Wade, sixteen years; N. W. McCon-
nell, two years. He was succeeded by Henry N. Blake, who
served until November, 1889, when, having been elected, he
qualified as the first -Chief Justice of the state. During the
same time there were appointed and served for longer or
shorter terms as associates : Lorenzo P. AYilliston, Lyman
E. Munson, Hiram Knowles, George G. Symes, John L.
Murphy, Francis C. Servis, Henry N. Blake, William J.
Galbraith, Everton J. Conger, John Coburn, Charles R. Pol-
lard, James H. McCleary, Thomas C. Bach, Stephen DeWolfe,
and Moses J. Liddell. Symes, Murphy, Servis, Conger and
Coburn served but short terms. The appointment of Pol-
lard, though he served for a short time, was never confirmed
by the senate. During the year 1886 the number of Justices
was increased to four, and that number served until the end
of the territorial government.

To analyze and illustrate the wrork of these different men,
and to set forth its merits and demerits, would be an interest-
ing task, but would far transcend the limits of this paper.
The earlier Justices were confronted with enormous diffi-
culties and disadvantages. New questions were constantly
arising for which the decisions of other courts and the text
writers furnished no precedents. The law of water rights
and mines was the outgrowth of the conditions found in this
arid mountain country. The foundation for two new
branches of the law had to be laid and the rights of the citi-
zens determined frequently by the application of principles
entirely new, or the application of old and established rules
to wholly new and strange conditions. The best evidence

JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT. 119

of the thorough and conscientious work done by this court,
is that many of its opinions were and are yet cited as author-
ity both by our own courts and those of other states, and have
thus entered into and become part of the great body of law
in the mountain states upon these subjects. Questions aris-
ing at a later date out of disputed possessory rights upon the
public lands, and out of the land grants to railroads, de-
manded careful research and investigation. The results of
their labors, which are found in the first eight and one-half

LEE WORD

volumes of our reported cases, stand as a monument to their
patient and conscientious industry. Many of them when
the term of their service had expired, went into professional
life in the territory, and won reputation and standing at the
bar. Some returned to their native states or went to others,
where they achieved success and honorable preferment. And
wherever they are, whether living or dead, they are men-
tioned with respect by those who knew them during the terms

120 HISTORICAL, SOCIETY OF MONTANA

of their official life, as worthy men and efficient judicial offi-
cers.

When the territory became a state the constitutional con-
vention continued in force the old forms and methods of
procedure, and, barring the constitutional questions and
such new ones as naturally arise in the development of any
system of jurisprudence, the state court has simply contin-
ued to build upon the foundation laid by the patience and
industry of its predecessor.

The number of Justices of the Supreme Court was fixed at
three, with permission to the legislature to increase this
number to five. The state was divided into eight districts,
requiring the service of eight judges. The number of Jus-
tices has never been increased, but the districts have now
been increased to twelve, requiring the service of fifteen
judges.

The volumes of published reports have increased rapidly in
number during the twelve years of our statehood. The
twenty-seventh volume is now partially completed. This
statement furnishes some illustration of the volume of work
demanded of our judicial officers.

All of the men who have served the state as Justices of
the Supreme Court are still living except Associate Justices
Buck and DeWitt. Besides these two and those who are now
serving, they are: Blake and Pemberton, Chief Justices;
and Harwood, Hunt and Word, Associate Justices. The
task of weighing and passing judgment upon their work will
be left to future generations, when it can be viewed as a while
in perspective, and when experience shall have demonstrated
its merit.

The judiciary of a state comes from the bar, which in turn
comes from the people. Though, in a certain sense, a dis-
tinct department of the government, its powers are negative
and can be set in motion only by an appropriate application.
Even then they extend no further than to correct errors and
suppress abuses. To accomplish these purposes properly,

JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT. 121

the individual men who exercise judicial functions must pos-
sess virtue and integrity, and be supported by a sound pub-
lic sentiment. Courts are not, as a rule, to be measured by a
higher standard than that fixed by their surroundings, be-
cause, save in exceptional cases, the character and associa-
tions of the men who constitute them are formed before they
are called to service. I think it may be truthfully said of
our judiciary, both territorial and state, that as our insti-
tutions have become established and our judicial system has
been developed, it has, with few exceptions, deservedly won
and retained the respect and confidence of the people. This
fact is due in great measure to the high standard which the
members of the bar, individually and collectively, have
fixed and maintained as the measure of judicial fitness. They
have ever been ready to extend judicious aid and sympathy
and to repel aspersions when not deserved. By precept and
example they have also lent their aid to the inculcation of
virtue and respect for law and order among the people, thus
contributing much to the cultivation of sound public senti-
ment, without which there can be no such thing as judicial
dignity and independence. So that, whatever honor and
credit is due to any one influence more than another, which
has aided in the building up of our judiciary, let it be accord-
ed to the bar of Montana,

121' HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

THE PIONEERS.

Address of Hon. Wilbur F- Sanders, at the Dedication of the Capitol

of Montana.

Fellow Citizens:

This celebration possesses more than a local significance
and commemorates a greater event than the birth of a
Nation. Nations have been born before and the date of
their creation is with the rubbish of forgotten things. Nor
is it to celebrate the discovery of a new idea that the cannon
resound, the trumpets blare, the banners bedeck the sky and
the vibrant air is tremulous with the music of rejoicing

bugles. The sham of Kingcraft overdone was already
known. It is rather in recognition of the fact that in the
assertion of the people's right, a serried host marshalled in
militant array coining to the crossing of the ways intrepidly
resolved to dare and do or die. The names of the doughty
champions whose tossing plumes were in the forefront of the
struggle need not here be mentioned ; they are on every
tongue and their desert outruns all praise. It is not given to
me to recall their valor upon this occasion or dwell upon
the majestic utterance to which you have just listened and
which was their challenge thrown in the face of Kings. It
has been thought by your Governor that on this day when
the State sheds its swaddling clothes and wraps itself in
robes befitting its dignity, some words might be fitly spoken
of those whose courage and sacrifices have so much contrib-
uted to the felicities we enjoy. He has asked me to speak
someAvhat of the Pioneers of Montana and I could not say
him nay.

At the commencement of the Civil War the vast spaces

THE PIONEERS— HON. W. F. SANDERS.

comprising what is now Montana and the regions about it
on every side, were an unknown solitude. No equal area of
habitable land within the limits of the United States was so
inaccessible or so little known. The zeal of Devotion had
planted within their confines two Missions to the savage
tribes who roamed across the Country, and the audacity of
Adventure had established on the head waters of the great
Rivers, which had here their sources, three trading Posts
accessible once a year. Thirty thousand savages roamed
fitfully across or over the great region without interrupting
its silence, and a few inhabitants from the Pacific shore or
from the overflow of Governmental expeditions had sought
in a spirit of romance to find the distant springs of the unex-
plored Columbia. But these intrusions no geographer knew,
nor did they disturb the lonely quiet which through un-
counted centuries since Creation's dawn had buried in
the Eternal Silence this goodly Land. To the east the
nearest settlements were on the distant Minnesota, and
to the West Walla Walla was an outpost thrust into
the unknown region by remote Oregon. A trail across
the Continent on British soil to the north knew only
an annual cavalcade, while to the south an established
exotic hierarchy looked with undisguised suspicion at
all who invaded these wilds as hostile trespassers.
Neither Wyoming, Montana nor Idaho had been introduced
to commerce or to the Geographers. Over them all the still-
ness was profound, the entire region was inert, and no signal
presaged the irruption about to burst into these fastnesses
and plant here the ineradicable footsteps of American Civi-
lization. Malice and romance could write such descriptiou
of this region as they chose, for there were none to contra-
dict them. There were exceptional conditions which oper-
ated to hide from the knowledge of men, Montana and the
vast surrounding regions. During the first quarter of the
nineteenth century all-conquering Spain, enervated by ignor-
ance, superstition and greed, relaxed her nerveless grasp on

124 HISTORICAL SOCIKTY OF MONTANA

all her American dominions, save the splendid islands off the

mouth of the Mississippi, which guarded as by an impreg-
nable fortress, the largest water shed and the most resource-
ful valley on the globe. In that same era more than one-half
that valley had surrendered its dominion to the American
Republic, which then little comprehended the magnificence
of its acquisition. It had been moved to this expansion
solely by a desire to acquire the island of New Orleans, that
it might have free navigation of the river which drained the
trans-Alleghany territory of the Republic without thought
of the value of the great area thus transferred, which was
accepted indeed as a burden rather than as an advance step
of our all-conquering institutions and civilization.

In the second quarter of that century Texas stretching
northward to the vicinity of Rawlins in Wyoming, had
wrested from Mexico her independence and we had escaped
the accusation of waging a war of conquest by purchasing
from that Empire its western portion, bounded on the north
by the 42nd parallel of latitude, including a region so near
as Logan in Utah.

Our treaty with Great Britain and our subsequent acqui-
sitions had left us two heritages of boundary disputes, one
involving a limited area of a few thousand acres on the
northeastern confines of New England, and one west of the
Rocky Mountains, involving an Empire in extent, and re-
sources. It is sober prophecy which affirms that yielding
the few thousand acres to the northeast would have oper-
ated to gain for us a princely domain on the shores of the
northern Pacific Ocean. It well illustrates how the instinct
of the people is sometimes wiser than their reason or their
statesmanship, that while with militant ardor, which my
own memory vividly recalls, the people were shouting the
shibboleth "54, 40 or fight," our prudent and mistaken state-
craft yielded to Great Britain a Pacific Empire north of lati-
tude 49 degrees then held in light esteem.

But for this surrender our Pacific possessions would have

THE FIOrs-^ERS— HON. W. F. SANDERS. 125

now extended continuously northward beyond Behring
Straits to the Arctic Ocean, and Great Britain would have
been excluded on the American Continent from the Pacific
Sea. That cheap partisanship, which even yet prevails, led
a great political party to belittle the value of that region
west of the Missouri toward the Russian possessions, and
the wide domain then practically unknown, which lay west
of the Mississippi River was subjected to caricature, depre-
ciation and denunciation. We need not here recite the vivid
and eloquent characterizations of its worthlessness in which
Edward Everett, Daniel Webster, Wm. L. Dayton, George
D. Prentice, George McDuffie and many others on rostrum
and in sanctum joined, as if this region had done them con-
scious and purposed wrong. Mr. Webster voiced the state-
man's view when he said :

"What do we want with this vast worthless area, this
region of savages and wild beasts, of deserts of shifting sands
and whirlwinds of dust, of cactus and prairie dogs? To
what use could we ever put those great deserts or endless
mountain ranges impenetrable and coverd to their base with
eternal snow? What can we ever hope to do wilfli the
western coast, a coast of 3,000 miles, rock bound, cheerless,
uninviting and not a harbor on it ; what use have we for such
a country? Mr. President, I will never vote one cent from
the public treasury to place the Pacific Coast one inch nearer
to Boston than it now is."

Mr. Robt, C. Winthrop affirmed that

"We will not be straightened for elbow room in the west
for a thousand vears."

Senator George McDuffie stated that

"There are seven hundred miles this side of the Rocky
Mountains that are uninhabited, where the rain never falls,
mountains wholly impassable, except through gaps and de-
pressions to be reached only by going hundreds of miles out
of the direct course. Have you made an estimate of the
cost of a railroad to the mouth of the Columbia? Why, the
wealth of the Indies would be insufficient. Of what use
would it be for agricultural purposes? I would not for that

126 1IISTOIUCA1. SOCIETY OF MONTANA

purpose give a pinch of snuff for the whole territory. I wish
the Rocky Mountains were an impassable barrier. If there
was an embankment of even five feel to be removed, I would
not consent to expend five dollars to remove it and to enable
our population to go there. I thank God for his mercy in
placing the Rocky Mountains there."

Senator Win. L. Dayton, making inconsequential excep-
tions, said :

"The whole country is as irreclaimable and barren and
waste as the Desert of Sahara. Nor is this the worst; the
climate is so unfriendly to human life that the native popu
lation has dwindled away under the ravages of malaria."

George D. Prentice, editor and poet, could say in his Louis-
ville Journal,

"Russia has her Siberia and England her Botany Bay,
and if the United States should ever need a country to which
to banish her rogues and scoundrels the utility of such a
region would be demonstrated. Until then we are perfectly
willing to leave this magnificent country to the Indians,
trappers and buffalo hunters that roam over its sandbanks."

In similar vein other authoritative organs of public opin-
ion described this region, and Washington Irving and John
C. Fremont suffered in their veracity by their descriptions
of the salubrity of its climate, the fertility of its soil and its
possible resources. Added to its ill repute it was environed
with savage tribes who guarded with iealous activity their
favorite hunting grounds. It was the most prolific and one
of the largest game preserves on the globe.

In 1855 the era of railroad construction had opened,
dreamers in their widening visions had imagined that it was
possible to build a trans-continental railway, and the Gov-
ernment organized several exploring expeditions to see on
what line such road might be constructed. Few seem to
have believed that on the longest northern line such a railway
was possible, but so intense were sectional jealousies that a
survey of the northern line could not be wholly omitted,
and perfunctorily a Governmental reconnaissance was made
north of the Missouri River, through what is now Montana.

H
H

THE PIONEERS-HON. W. P. SANDERS. 127

It did not, however, make a deep impression upon the pub-
lic mind or greatly extend the knowledge of this region, as
its valuable elaborate reports were overwhelmed, expensive
and limited in circulation. But events were moving swiftly
and a great civil commotion burst upon the astonished Land.
In 1802 the Nation in mortal agony, putting forth Herculean
efforts to preserve itself, had crying need of gold. Rabelais
in his dav tells us it was then an old disease. Intent on its
discovery and pursuit in other faraway lands, wayfarers
across this country astonished themselves by finding it here
in phenomenal quantities, and on the wings of the wind and
of lightning the information sped fast and far, producing
a profound impression emphasized and intensified by the
conditions the Civil War had wrought.

Thenceforth the seemingly impenetrable wilderness sur-
rendered its silence to the echoing tread of the dauntless
Pioneers. From far away Oregon, through solemn forests,
by the Pend d'Oreille Lake, by the Mullan Road, by the Nez
Perce Trail, by the Boise Basin, they journeyed to the hidden
springs of the Missouri and Columbia. From the golden
shores of shining California with appetites whetted by the
pursuit of this patrician industry, they crossed forbidden
deserts and, over trackless wastes to the newly discovered
Treasure House of the Nation. From recently occupied
Colorado, by the Cache Le Poudre, by the Laramies, by
Bitter Creek, they came to the Shining Mountains finding a
promising field for mining activity. From all the States
bordering on the Great River that we give to the valley which
is the Nation's heart, came an onrushing tide of eager, confi-
dent immigrants as they swept up the Platte across the
mountains and over the Lander Eoad and Snake River Val-
lev or down the Big Horn to the famed Beaver Head coun-
try. Another contribution of sturdy men and women
daunted at no obstacle and intent on conquest over forbid-
den difficulties came from distant Minnesota by Forts Tot-
ten, Abercrombie and Union north of the Missouri River, and

12S HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

first located in this valley. There were lateral and subor-
dinate highways over which the Pioneers reached the new-
found fields of gold. It is not believed that an aggregation,
of people so varied, so versatile, so virile had before in such
numbers from regions so diverse in an equal period settled
any other region. Brought face to face with each other,
they were confronted with the newness of the land, with
ignorance of its geography, topography, resources, climate
and above and beyond all with the fact they were strangers
each to the others. In coming hither they outran law. They
found here no pre-existent civilization. In the raw they
brought it with them, and its secure planting was at first an
awkward and imperious duty. Opinions clashed. There
was no tribunal to settle differences; they had to be argued
out to ultimate results without artificial or extraneous aid.
Unique characters with strange and sometimes unknown
history and weird experiences abounded. Social life and
economic life boiled. Industry was a tumultuous struggle,
the turmoil was active and the process of unification was
slow. No houses, no highways, no fences, no titles; verily,
"the world was all before them where to choose." There
was a strange clearness to the atmosphere, a bluer tint to
the skies. In the silent, solemn nights the stars appeared
more numerous and nearer than in their childhood home.
It seemed as if they could be readied with one's arm, and
they shone with an unwonted brightness. As they walked
the untrodden plain or mountain side reveries were awakened
of the future of the land so long withheld from the knowl-
edge of men, and what the years would bring forth. Some
of those years are now here or are gone, and we have to confess
that our wildest imaginings never compassed what they have
brought forth. They devoted themselves to the allotted tasks
with cheerful willingness. Preparation for the unmeasured
and unknown severities of the coming winter at a high alti-
tude in an untried northern clime occupied attention, while
the savage, harboring no illusions as to what it portended,

THE PIONEERS— HON. W. F. SANDERS. 12»

and everywhere alert, permitted no repose. The first duty
of this migration on its arrival and location was the adoption
of some substitute for law; some local rules to regulate
human conduct conformable to justice and the creation of
tribunals for their enforcement and the orderly and final
determination of personal differences. None knew a
statute, nor indeed to what jurisdiction we were
amenable, as the country had recently been created
a Governmental division out of several pre-existing
ones, some of which were without legislative enact-
ments, nor, for that matter, was the legislative history
of any one of them here known. These were circumstances
of great embarrassment, but the difficulty was met with in-
genious and intelligent courage. In these days we feebly
recall the perils of our early settlers from the Indiau tribes
whose fastnesses they had invaded, but a cordon of brave
and stealthy warriors with rifle, tomahawk, arrow and scalp-
ing knife challenged their presence and compelled a ceaseless
vigilance. Not noisily but persistently the Pioneers en-
larged the area of their occupancy regardless of the peril
surrounding them, and adventure was the order of the day.
Waifs of civilization for reasons best known to themselves
identified with the Indians, had familiarized themselves with
the country, occasionally greeted the newcomers, and if
viewed with some distrust they were nevertheless invaluable
encyclopedias, and they were subject to persistent and re-
peated interrogation. From them we learned the number
and names of Indian tribes, something of the geography and
hydrography of the Country and of the nomadic adventurers
who from time to time on mvsterious errands dared the
perils of the plain and were journeying to destinations we
did not know. A strange fascination clustered about these
white men who secured immunity from hostility by identify-
ing themselves with the Indian tribes.

Tempted hither by gold from prolific placers came the
bandit and claimed the region for his own. Audacious, cruel,

130

HISTORICAL SOCIKTY OK MONTANA

plausible, active, omnipresent, he temporarily secured an
ascendancy and plied liis vocation with astonishing boldness.
The wide dispersion of the settlements, the lengthening high-
ways to centers of commerce, the lonely places and hidden
fastnesses from which he could sally to the avenues where
gold was being transported afforded him an immunity sel-
dom enjoyed. While there were some whose resentments

ALDER GULCH IN 'G5.

were dulled by the frequency of these robberies, the Pioneers
were adequate to their duty, and keeping an inventory of
these crimes and measuring their own resources, they arose
in their might and visiting upon these corsairs of the moun-
tains, destruction, ordained order by methods short, sharp
and decisive. In these piping times of peace romance may
surround these freebooters with a ghostly existence to orna-
ment a story book and amuse the children, but to the Pio-
neers those discards of civilization in cruel murder outdid
the savage in his foray. Without the mining camps, was the
stealthy Indian; within, the murderous highwayman, each

THE PIONEERS— HON. W. F. SANDERS. 131

then ugly facts of flesh and blood. This is not the occasion
on which to recite that tragic episode of our pioneer history,
or explain its justification, but the actors in it derive abound-
ing consolation that when ready to launch the besom of
destruction upon those forceful enemies of all order, they
had taken ample precaution to restrain its action by pru-
dence, to see that no injustice was perpetrated and to return
to normal tribunals the administration of justice when the
exigency had passed by. Their jurisdiction knew no geo-
graphical limitations. Their activity extended from the
Arkansas to the Oregon and they pursued the guilty to the
army of Juarez in Mexico.

There is a disposition to divide the Pioneers who settled
this region into classes, and to discriminate among those
who founded this civilization in respect to the period of
their arrival here, and to attribute to some the quality and
honor of being the founders of the State in a sense which
is denied to others whose contributions to its building
while the community was in a nascent condition, neverthe-
less aided in reducing the chaotic mass of migration to
social order. We have to confess that events in those early
times, profoundly affecting our situation here moved swiftly.
The creation of the new Territory of Montana, the establish-
ment of Governmental mails July 1, 1.864, with its conse-
quent regular stage transportation from Salt Lake City,
the installation of Governmental officers, the election and
action of our first Legislative Assembly, the construction of
a telegraph line, the permission of the Government to have
newspapers transmitted in the mails, the building of the
Union Pacific Railroad were events in which we took a
profound interest and which deeply affected the material
and social interests of these communities. As affecting the
.immigration, probably the most marked event was the con-
struction of railroads west of the Missouri River. Our
nearest railroads were at Cedar Rapids or St. Joseph. For
a half dozen vears our Pioneers came hither largely by

L32 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

i cams across the plain which separated their homes from the
new found land, but from 1868 they were able to avoid the
tedium of that method of travel over the most difficult part
of the route and make the journey with comparative ease.
It was a great boon vouchsafed to those who entered this
long journey. While many came by the river and some over
different highways, the most considerable number left the
civilization of the East at some of the towns between Inde-
pendence and Omaha on the Missouri, and converging on the
Platte at or below Fort Kearney, journeyed up the remark-
able valley of that wide spreading and sluggish Kiver, and
thence across the mountains to the Snake Kiver Valley.
There was a small deflection at Red Buttes by the way of
the Big Horn and Yellowstone, but for five summers a
motley cavalcade stretching from Missouri, Kansas and
Nebraska was winding its way to the famed newly found
gold fields of Montana.

When late in June its advance guard was arriving here
those who closed the procession at those thriving towns
were preparing to bring up the rear, reaching Montana
early in November. It was a continuous and a very real
procession two thousand miles long, toiling, rejoicing, fight-
ing its disputed way. Their vehicles were varied and dis-
ordered, their horses, mules and oxen were jaded, their
habiliments were unfashionable and worn, they were
wearied with the long, perilous and laborious journey, but
upon their arrival here their recovery was instant. It is
said that the valley of the Platte and the valley of the
upper Missouri are prolonged cemeteries, and certainly the
migration to Montana made its contribution thereto in all
amplitude and pathos.

The crystallization of society in a new community is a
process of delicacy and difficulty. In Montana this was es-
pecially so. A population so diverse, from regions so remote
from each other, with environments, entanglements and tra-
ditions so incongruous, at a time of civil commotion so

SO
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B
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THE PIONEERS— HON. W. F. SANDERS. 133

tempestuous had not before been known. Left to
itself, however, it would by normal processes have speedily
assigned to each of its constituent units her or his true place
in the social order and presented a coherent civilization
without undue delay. But our social chemistry was inter-
rupted in two ways. Many splendid citizens who by tacit
designation were charged with the responsibilities of ex-
ample and duty, and on whom wre implicitly relied because
of their qualities of recognized excellence to maintain order,
possessed with the nomadic quality of the American people
Mould leave for other fields of activity and disarrange our
evolution.

With good intentions but bad results, there were, intruded
into our midst, exotic and extraneous forces, designed to
be healthful, but implying a distrust of our patriotism and
intelligence and begetting resentments in a people, confi-
dent of their own capacity and proud of their labors, which
added to the confusion and delayed the consummation of all
our struggles.

The wide dispersion of a scanty population over a vast
area with intercommunication, tedious and expensive, added
to the difficulty and made the processes of unification slug-
gish in the extreme. Even yet we suffer, from this circum-
stance, from which we cannot wholly escape. But with the
loss by migration, with painful repetition, of many of our
splendid settlers, we were comforted by the continued arri-
val of new additions to the forces of intellect, order and law,
whose helpful services strengthened our courage, and con-
tinuing to this day are the hope of the Commonwealth in its
expanding future. The isolation begot self-confidence. The
peril demanded courage, and the varied duties consequent
on the absence of institutions required a ceaseless vigilance.
The Pioneers exhibited moderation in success, fortitude in
disaster, and stability of character which demands recogni-
tion and is worthy of all praise. The spirit of independence
was strong within them and they scorned mean things.

i:.l HISTOKK'AI, SOCIKTY UK MONTANA

Their pride resented the officiousness which at times sought
to use them for personal ends, and they remorselessly ques-
tioned every new proposition us to its foundation, significa-
tion, purpose and result. They did not mean to be hood-
winked or misled, ami they were not easily moved by sophis-
tries however plausibly presented. There is one noticeable
fact which is to the infinite praise of these early Fioneers.
Wherever you meet sojourners here in our early history,
with one acclaim they bear witness to the sturdy virtues of
these settlers, and attest the abiding affection in which they
hold them, which the lapse of years has in no measure di-
minished.

What adequate words shall be spoken of those brave and
accomplished women who first journeyed into these un-
known fastnesses with love and loyalty and courage im-
measurable in speech. They beautified the rudest homesr
and in all our labors were veritable helpmeets. Whether
fighting savages, swimming rivers, crossing trackless wastes
by night or day, they were examples of fortitude and devo-
tion worthy of all praise. Taking up cheerfully the all too
neglected burdens which refine societv and tame our wild-
ness, they achieved for the State a beneficent conquest, and
for themselves an immortalitv of fame. They hold a secure
place in popular esteem as the builders of a great Common-
wealth whose foundations they laid in prudence and not
recklessness, in liberty not obstinacy, amid militant
struggles and with inspiring hope. Rising superior to every
disaster, their dauntless souls comprehending the greatness
of their mission, clung with unshaken fidelity to that im-
mutable righteousness which it is affirmed on high authority
exalteth a nation. Intrepid in danger and active in every
good word and work, their share in our congratulations at
what has been achieved is large, and succeeding generations
will bring to them votive offerings of gratitude and praise.
Their contribution to the Commonwealth is substantial, it
is their monument, and by contrast shames the petty tri-

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THE PIONEERS— HON. W. F. SaNDERS. 13b-

umphs of insipid life, at Newport and Saratoga. To them
may be addressed the words of the sacred writer, "Man\
daughters have done virtuously but thou excellest them all."

The Church, too, aided in so great a work. Its ministers
did not consult their ease, but ever active, defied the perils
which surrounded the settlements and in all humility, meek-
ness and abounding fidelity consoled the living, comforted
the afflicted and buried the dead. Their grasp on the affec-
tion of the Pioneers is well attested by the numerous places
of worship, pointing their spires heavenward in all the
hamlets of the State, and in the cordial sympathy and sup-
port everywhere yielded them from all classes of our citi-
zens.

It would be more than human nature can fulfill to expect
that all in this incongruous mass in the process of Empire
building marched with equal step and preserved an order! y
alignment. As in all masses of men, there were laggards
in the procession seeking personal ease and leaving to
others the sacrifice and the toil. No bugle call could stir
their sluggish blood or summon them to action. Each must
accept the history he has written in the great work which
has been accomplished. These Pioneers were careless of
deprivation and sacrifice. The remorseless savage indignant
at his fading tenure, as with a cordon of fire and blood, sur-
rounded the little settlements as they pushed resistlessly
wider and farther into mountain and plain, the benignant
area of American civilization, but the3T grew in spite of the
savage and hs relentless cruelty. The bleaching bones of
those who fell in this great struggle, unburied and unknown,,
could be found in lonely fastnesses in untrodden wilds.

Along the upper Missouri River for a thousand miles in
the winter of 1864-5, many of our citizens anticipating the
need of steamboats navigating that fitful stream, engaged
in chopping wood, but the Indians resenting the intrusion,
assailed and destroved them. In the succeeding summer a
troop was organized by the settlers here, which armed and

i::i;

MIS'n >l;ic.\l. SOCIKTY OF MONTANA

supplied by voluntary contributions, patrolled that stream
during the season of navigation for the punishment of these
savages, and for the protection of that avenue of transpor-
tation which, in our short sightedness, we thought was des-
tined to be the main artery of our commercial supplies.
That campaign with James Stuart as its commander is a

i«i.

STREET SCENE, FORT BENTON, 1884.

lost chapter in our history. Our remoteness from Govern-
mental centers and the sources of political power threw us
upon resources of our own, and it appeared to many of us
as if we were forgotten. As the deprivations and discom-
forts and dangers of a journey hither were diminished by
the approach of the railroad, the solicitude of the Govern-
ment for our welfare seemed to increase and we accepted
its augmenting attentions as sincere flatterv.

Physical achievements so great could not in so short a
period be compassed by the Pioneer except by strenuous
lives. Morning, noon and night there was incessant toil.
Whatsoever their hands found to do was done with jaunty

THE PIONEERS— HON. W. F. SANDERS. 137

gladness with all their might. They did not ask for shorter
hours of labor, but for increasing reward and more to do.
Material conquests assumed the form of high duty and all
the forces of nature were bent to minister to the needs of man.
The kindly earth surprised them with its prolific benignities.
Coaxed in mine and field, and on mountain sides she yielded
of her hidden abundance a cheerful reward. The silent
Savage gazed at these industries with an amused and con-
temptuous surprise at the heady strife, in wonder at what it
all could mean. The self-respecting quality of the Pioneers
was a prominent trait of their character. Deferential and
courteous to all, they ran after no one, but maintained a
dignity of demeanor revealing conscious if unrecognized
merit.

We seem now to be swiftly passing away from that era
of intense individualism to a period of apparent solidarity
with results which no prescience can foretell. But if the
courage and self-assertion of the Pioneers is to remain, it is
certain that the uses and influence of the individual will
be felt in Montana so long as this capitol shall stand. In-
dividuality will refuse to be lost in an indistinguishable,
chaotic, indiscriminate mass.

The Civil War begot strenuous political struggles, but-
nearer and local controversies, and notably the struggle to
rid the country of the predatory band of robbers unified the
people, tamed the passions which war might have engen-
dered and made all our contentions peaceful. But for this
duty which came as a supreme issue, one cannot tell what
form of controversy our differences might have taken in
those stormy times.

Unquestionably our phenomenal material advancement
will find adequate description and be indelibly emblazoned
on our literature. That material progress has been wonder-
ful, the surprise of us all. The earth did not seem to the
earliest Pioneers fertile. They thought the placers easily

138 HISTORICAL SOCIKTY OK MONTANA

exhausted, thai the country would be abandoned and the
land become idle.

But prolific and abounding Nature came to the rescue
and removed all doubts as to her resources. Reinforced by
the enterprise of oncoming- hosts who became also Pioneers,
the vista of production widened and deepened, new Indus-
tries rose responsive to their beck and call, earth and sky
joined their forces to reveal the State as the fortunate
theatre on which in great profusion the needs of man could
be supplied and our disbelief in its productiveness was put
to shame. If these widening industries in variety and mo-
mentum shall continue during the years to come, verily Mon-
tana will in increasing felicity be the abode of a happy and
contented people. All this is widely and with emphasis
everywhere proclaimed.

We must not fail in appreciation of those weightier mat-
ters which concern our moral and intellectual life, without
which material good is transformed into baubles. And
here there is cause for congratulation. With growing keen-
ness we are coming to more profoundly appreciate that a
good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, to know
the value of character and to realize that there can be uo
gratification in an evolution which does not sternly insist in
obedience to the eternal moral laws.

Looking back upon those early times, one recalls the
intensity of yearnings for "hoine," counting as trifles the
obstacles of distance and cold and storm and the hostile
savage intent on murder who blocked our way. We defied
the cold, we explored unknown fastnesses, we paid exorbi-
tant prices for the comforts of life when of luxuries there
were none, we suffered from monopolies, combines, trusts
and corners during the long winter blockades, and thrown
upon our own resources, manifested an experimental mood
in industry, legislation and speculative philosophy. These
experiences begot intenser friendships, developed a com-

THE PIONEERS-HON. W. F. SANDERS.

139

munity of interest, induced mutual aid and made care for
the unfortunate, not a burden but a joy.

The planting of a civilization, like all experiments, is
subject to many mutations, miscarriages and much mis-
taken toil. As in morals, so in material good, not that
which is visible bespeaks all the labors of our Pioneers. This
is well illustrated in the numerous cities thev builded, now

MONTANA CITV IN EARLY DAIS.

wholly lost, unknown to our people and their geography.
Gallatin City, in the esteem of its founders destined to be
a great commercial metropolis at the head of River naviga-
tion, has now no mark to perpetuate its busy life or desig-
nate its Abandoned site, but once in our history its fortunate
owners were regarded with envy. Bagdad, Geneva, Trinity,
Silver City, Emmettsburg, Unionville, Summit City, George-
town, Springville, Carroll, Beartown, Yreka, Prickly Pear
City, Hell Gate, Beavertown, Highland, Adobetown, Cable
City, Nevada, and yet others rise up in my memory, the
centers of social life, throbbing with industrial activities,
the pride and hope of their ambitious denizens.

11" HISTORICAL Soi'IKTY <>!■' lln.VTANA

Requested recently i<> locate the site of one of these obliter-
ated towns, and stopping to study for a momenl the sur-
rounding topography-, I was made conscious by frequent de-
pressions in the earth, that 1 stood in its unmarked city of
the dead. Here, thought I, is a potent illustration of the van-
ity of human ambition, its struggles and hopes. Where fond
mothers and wives in an agony of tears had buried all thev
held most dear; where fathers and sisters and brothers and
sons had seen their precious ones buried from their sight, no
visible mark remained above the waving grasses which alone
paid homage to their dead. It was a part of the pathos of our
historv. The inscription on the tomb of Sir Christopher
Wren, "Si rntinumentwn requiris, circumspive" befits, but
does hot render full justice to the labors of our Pioneers.
They builded more than is visible to the outer eye.

Enough remains to vindicate these Pioneers and demon-
strate their wondrous activity. From out the waste places
of the earth they have reduced to the uses of civilized men the
140,000 square miles which they found a desert wild. An
hundred cities attest the enterprise of its people; schools,
hospitals, libraries, churches, everywhere abound, and un-
numbered farms dot and beautify its widening perspectives.

( Jivic societies having for their purpose the intellectual cul-
ti ration of its people, helpful to their membership, caring for
their afflicted and augmenting social excellence exist in great
profusion. From farm and mine, from shop and mill there
come forth the prolific bounties of nature, which will make of
Montana the mightiest of Commonwealths. Highways every-
where abound and facilities for intercommunication are con-
tinually increasing. From the moving trains of the Rail-
roads which traverse the State, things of comfort and beauty,
back to the rude pain-giving- slow-moving stage coach is a
long journey. The silences are broken, isolation is hence-
forth unknown ; we are face to face with the World and its
problems, and by pride and duty are commanded to so act and
walk as to compel her respect. Verily the Conquest has been

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THE PIONEERS— HON. W. F. SANDERS. 141

great and the Future is an inspiring vision. More than its
shining mountains, its jeweled hills, its grassy slopes, its ex-
tended plains, its soughing pines, its fruited orchards, these
Pioneers cherished its good name. Wherever they journeyed
they heard in abundance words of praise for the great achieve-
ments won, for the sturdy virtues made manifest here, and
this commendation augmented their pride and strengthened
their purpose to preserve it unimpaired. I do not exagger-
ate the fact when I affirm that they wrote high in the annals
of the Republic the good repute of their communities and that
they walked in conscious pride in the approving judgment of
their fellow countrymen. The praise of the good was a help-
ful moral force in the multiplex struggle in which they were
engaged.

Claiming for these Founders of our Commonwealth all that
is their due, it were too much to affirm that they
were not subject to the infirmities of human nature and made
no mistakes. To the end that they might be corrected they
would choose that the more important of them be mentioned
even on a congratulatory occasion like this. With the cour-
age which was a conspicuous trait in their character to assist
a hazardous, hopeful infant industry they took upon them-
selves a portion of its burdens by absolving it from its share
of taxation. When thus delivered the interest and amount
involved was small, but it has now grown to colossal propor-
tions and is one of our chiefest and most remunerative re-
sources. But the advantage thus given has not been relin-
quished and what in its nature and purpose was designed to
be temporary by the forethought and adroitness of greed has
been taken from the domain of legislation and become in-
woven in constitutional enactment as a permanent policy of
the State. It does not require a wide knowledge of human
nature to discern that when the ownership of private prop-
erty does not carry with it the equal burden which that own-
ership implies a disregard of the sanctities of titles is begot-
ten, which may wreak abounding mischief. Absolute equal-

142 HISTORICAL SOCIKTY OF MONTANA

iiy of taxation of property is primal essential justice unless
it is desired to cultivate a superior class to own the property
and a proletariat or peasantry to become their serfs. The
irony of the situation is not belittled by the fact that the prop-
erty so absolved from taxation in the nature of things makes
disproportionate and increasing demands on the money and
solicitude of the Commonwealth. Matters will not assume
a normal condition until a Constitutional provision is or-
dained that every piece of property not of Public ownership
shall according to its value bear its equal burden of taxation.
This seems too plain to admit of discussion.

The early division of the State into political units could not
be ideal, and the vast expanse of the counties was necessitated
by the sparseness of the population and the scattered settle-
ments, which conditions even yet in lessening degree con-
tinue. As the rapid increase and diffusion of population per-
mits this evil should be gladly remedied to the end that the
instrumentalities of municipal Government may be made less
clumsy and more responsive to the public commands.

This building is to be the theatre in which by a happy divi-
sion of authority the three departments of our government are
each in its separate sphere to execute the public will. The
watchful observer of the trend of legislation throughout our
Republic finds his solicitude awakened by the multiplicity of
trivial enactments. Public opinion, finding free and vigor-
ous expression, must ever remain the disciplinary force for
the correction of minor evils and legislation be reserved to
correct those graver aberrations from public duty. Against
trivial wrongs it ought not to be thought desirable to secure
statutory action. The regulation of individual conduct in
the ordinary affairs of life should be left to an intelligent
public opinion, which holds every man and woman to the dis-
charge of individual duties. Even now our statutes are in-
cumbered with much that is frivolous and without justifica-
tion, and this fact begets the most flagitious consequences.
I do not speak in this regard of Montana alone. On a wider

THE i-IONEEItS— HON. W. F. SANDERS. 143

field inconsiderate legislation on trivial subjects is conspicu-
ously manifest, and its most serious consequence is that it
begets a disregard of all law, not only by officers, charged with
its enforcement, but by the people as well. For blink at it
as we may, Law is a solemn and supreme command, the shield
and bulwark and protection of all. What changes are to
come in the social order, or in the regulation of property, or
individual liberty are not to be the fruitage of tumult and
wrath, of passion and hate, of South American pronuncia-
mentos and revolutions, but the dispassionate ordered com-
mand of Law. With full freedom of debate, sifting every
problem soberly, nothing is to be changed for light or trifling
causes. This unwise and trifling law-making has begotten
a widely dispersed idea that some laws may with impunity
be safely disobeyed and powerful interests and influences
shirk resistance to the passage of unwise laws, confident of
their ability to see that notwithstanding their enactment,
they can prevent their inforcement. And we hear from the
public press and from other sources, complaints that the offi-
cers charged with that duty are actually enforcing inconven-
ient and undesirable laws. Presidents and Governors are
blamed because in their innocence they suppose their oath to
see that the laws are faithfully executed, was something more
than a meaningless ceremony. When it shall once be deter-
mined that the statutes are to be enforced or not by officers
of the law as powerful influences shall elect, we have ceased
to be a democracy and have become an oligarchy. Every
statute should be an Olympian utterance, a Delphic Oracle
not to be disobeyed, and harmful legislation should be rigor-
ously enforced with the view to securing its repeal. Such
was the wise opinion of the truly great Ulysses S. Grant, It
will be a fateful day in the history of Montana if the idea
find lodgement that unwise laws may be unresistingly passed
because they can be safely disobeyed, for then Anarchy is
already arrived. We are therefore invoked to secure the
wisest persons to legislate, for wisdom is the only secure

Til HISTORICAL SOOIKTY OF MONTANA

guide. When law becomes inconsequential, fools are fit for
statesmanship.

Another inheritance from the Pioneers is of such vicious
consequence and has been so perpetuated tothisdayand prom-
ises such harm to the Commonwealth, that I feel it a duty to
mention it here. In the distribution of Representatives, in the
first Legislative Assembly, a County was made the geographi-
cal or District unit, and several Representatives assigned to
it to be elected jointly. It must be apparent to all compre-
hension that this does not result in a Democratic Govern-
ment, the basic element of which is equality in opinion and
action of all its electors. . That equality manifestly does not
exist where one elector is permitted in one locality to vote for
one representative and across an imaginary line, another is
permitted to vote for thirteen. The inequality of power re-
sulting from this situation is not the main or only mischief.
It permits the intrusion of chicane, of corrupt log rolling, and
in practice gives greater power to the combination than its
numerical superiority would indicate, and it introduces cor-
rupting forces into public action.

It results in the defeat of wise legislation and frequently in
the passage of unwise laws. It withdraws the Representa-
tive from his constituents who are thereby frequently called
upon to vote for an agent of whose quality and capacity they
are not advised, and whom they cannot control. It begets a
disregard by the Representative of the wishes of his constitu-
ent whose desire with great impunity he may defy. It cur-
tails the power of the constituent and emancipates the repre-
sentative from responsibility. One man, one vote, one Repre-
sentative, that is democracy, that is republicanism and none
other is. This exact question has arisen in other jurisdic-
tions and as corrupt forces never willingly abandon an ail-
vantage, however unfair, it has been fiercely fought with but
one uniform ultimate result. It is not believed that our
Constitution forbids single Representative Districts, and the
correction of this flagitious example continued from our earli-

THE PIONEERS— HON. W. F. SANDERS. 145

est history is a crying need if we would have wise policies
prevail, if indeed we would have Democratic Governments in
fact as well as in name.

When in inspiring hope we laid the foundations of this
Capitol the Governor of your State suggested that a signal
intimation of sordid quality was indicated where, by a uni-
versal consensus of public opinion such intimation is forbid-
den. The Seal of the State, the Coat of Arms of a State, the
Motto which they bear, are expressions of the dominant idea
of its people, and should signalize their devotion to high
ideals. Our Seal, our Motto, our Coat of Arms make no sucvU
suggestion. With no authority therefor, some one has as-
sumed to designate Montana, "The Treasure State," and in
childish and mistaken simplicity, there are those beyond our
borders who suppose we have chosen to be thus denominated
because of the prolific quality of our farms, our mines, our
flocks, our herds, our fruits and our forests. There are
treasures within our limits which justify so pretentious and
ambiguous a name. The accomplished and heroic women to
whom our civilization is so greatly indebted, the courageous
and noble men free from greed and guile, solicitous and ever
active for our good name, the children eager to protect and
improve the great heritage so soon to be theirs, these are the
precious possessions of the Commonwealth destined to in-
creasing appreciation and pride when mines are exhausted
and worldly goods accounted as vanity. Verily, in contem-
plation of these the State is rightly named.

It may seem to coarseness inconsequential but in a better
view some motto signalizing our sovereignty ought to recall
the quality of justice, the appreciation of liberty, the omnipo-
tence of the irrepealable moral law and the heroic manhood it
is ours to possess. It is not effeminacy or enervated taste
which aspires that the motto of the State leaving ineradi-
cable impress on the minds of children and adult alike shall
suggest something higher than the jingle of the guinea.

Not all these conquerors of Mountain and Plain survive to

246 HISTOKICAL. S< >.'l ll'I'Y OF MONTANA

witness lliix pageant, this consummation of their labors and
their fondest hopes, or to rejoice at their Country's conquests
on this anniversary of its natal day, as in the. procession of
the Nations it steps to the front and sweeps onward in be-
nignity and power with a momentum heretofore unknown.
Life's fitful fever with them is over and they sleep well. Wit-
ness of their dauntless deeds and conscious of their abounding
and hearty friendliness and sympathy one can hardly resist
the impulse on such an occasion as this to call them by their
names. They belong to us, they belong to the Pantheon of
the Commonwealth reserved for those who by deeds of high
emprise have earned her benediction and praise. They rest
in calm repose under rain and cloud, zephyr and storm, in
the sunshine which seems consciously proud to decorate their
graves with its most benignant ray, in the shadows of the
great mountains whose fastnesses they first invaded, beneath
the changeful moon and tremulous stars that gave them re-
joicing welcome, by the tuneful pines and the murmuring
streams whose waters they first vexed with utilities minister-
ing to the happiness of man. In the secure embrace of all
creating and all pervading Nature neither blame nor praise
disturbs their sleep so richly earned, and their memories re-
main the priceless heritage of succeeding generations. Cling-
ing tenaciously to every foot of soil wrested from the savage,
side by side they laid here the foundations of the Civilization
which is our pride, and what though their graves are widely
severed by mountain and stream, and sea, they have not out-
run the limits of our affection or our gratitude.

We but this week buried in this goodly city the very Nestor
of our Pioneers, who by his public spirit, his rare intelligence,
his unshaken fidelity, his manly independence and his intel-
lectual integrity had won a universal and affectionate regard.

The Pioneers who survive to witness these ceremonies
would belie their history and be false to their comrades dead,
did they not regard with affectionate solicitude this temple
this day consecrated to high public uses. Its architecture is

T1IK m i.XKKUS HON. W. I'- SANDERS. 14"

worthy of the State they founded, its art responds to the culti-
vated taste of an intelligent people, its capacity is adequate to
the service of a great Commonwealth and its massive soliditv
is an assurance that it'may remain the theatre of our Govern-
mental action through all the years of the current century.
It is destined to see all contention set in orderly array and to
witness the heady strifes that now impend or are vaguely fore-
shadowed and see them allayed or determined conformable to
justice and the public good. Under its lifted dome the wis-
dom of our People will find expression and action. Here
great controversies will invoke the triumphs of oratory and
the dominance of prudent wisdom and intelligent patriotism.
If sordid greed shall dare here to attempt its conquests, if
coward fear shall dictate silence or speech, if arrogant confi-
dent ignorance shall here direct Public policies, if selfish am-
bition shall endeavor to mount to power by perfidy or chicane,
if bribery shall profane this holy place, the voices of those
who planted this civilization from beyond the confines of the
tomb will be heard in accordant execration. We who are
partakers of this felicity will become the dust of the valley,
but this Capitol, this Commonwealth will survive. In im-
agined contemplation of what it shall witness as generation
succeeds generation, our hearts stand still. We are awed
into oppressive silence as we comprehend the remorseless de-
mands of the teeming future upon our posterity, which admit
neither of delay nor repose. Fast bound up by Fortune and
Fate is this Pioneer history with the happiness and welfare
of our children, and our children's children to the last syllable
of recorded time. Glad indeed are we to feel that in this
hour of Destiny, Hope and Expectation walk hand in hand.
As in the changeless Past we have always been summoned to
courage and toil by inspiring voices of coming greatness, so
reciprocally these Pioneer sacrifices and labors are ever to
remain bugle calls to duty to the ages which shall follow our
own. Not unto all is it given to be the Founders of States
but the homely labor wisely done, by the result is transfigured

1-18 MIST. tlili'AL SOCI10TY OF .MONTANA

from the common place into stately epic and the actors in the
scene become the demigods of history, and witnessing here
this culmination of much endurance, resolution and persist-
ence we may imperiously invoke of the oncoming hosts who
shall have charge of the beloved Commonwealth, obedience
to those eternal verities without which no Government can
abide.

148 HISTORICAL SOCIKTY OF .MONTANA

from the common place into stately epic and the actors in the
scene become the demigods of history, and witnessing here
ihis culmination of much endurance, resolution and persist-
ence we may imperiously invoke of the oncoming hosts who
shall have charge of the beloved Commonwealth, obedience
to those eternal verities without which no Government can
abide.

George M. Hays, Secretary of State

James Donovan, Attorney General

GOV. TOOLE A NO STATE OFFICERS

Governor Joseph K. Toole

A. H. Barret, State Treasurer

J, H. Calderhead, State Auditor

REPORT OF CAPITOL COMMISSION. 119

REPORT OF CAPITOL COMMISSION.

To the Senate and House of Representatives, of the Eighth

Legislative Assemblv, of the State of Montana.

Gentlemen: — In compliance with law the State Capitol
Commission has the honor to submit herewith its final re-
port:

When the present commission took charge of the work of
erecting a Capitol for the State of Montana, it found on hand
a Capitol site with an excavation for a much larger building
than it was authorized to erect, a set of plan? for a building
estimated to cost one million dollars, an indebtedness of up-
wards of forty thousand dollars and absolutely no market
for the bonds authorized by law and amounting to three hun-
dred and fifty thousand dollars. The financial problem was
overcome by the sale of the bonds to Hon. Thomas Cruse
of Helena, new plans were secured, a contract for the erec-
tion of the building was entered into and after five years of
earnest effort and constant labor the State is now provided
with a building commodious and beautiful and in which
every citizen may take pride. Every dollar expended has
gone into the building and grounds, and is fully accounted
for in the books and papers of the Commission, to which your
rigid scrutiny is invited.

It is not the intention to enter into any extended descrip-
tion of the building or its equipment. That has been done in
other reports which are on file in the archives of the State. The
building is its own best argument and a thorough inspection
of it is earnestly requested. Of course it is not faultless, but
it is the product of careful thought, erected of the best mater-
ial and in the most workmanlike manner, and has had the
benefit of the most untiring watchfulness and the best skill

150 HISTOKK'AI, SOCIKTV <>K MONTANA

of the Tom mission from the day the first foundation stone
was laid until it was transferred to the State on July 4th,
1902.

There are, however, some matters to which we wish to
call your attention. The first of these relates to the grounds
around the building.

Plans for the laying out of the grounds and the planting
of trees and shrubbery were procured from O. C. Simmonds,
an eminent landscape artist of Chicago, Illinois. These
plans, somewhat modified, were adopted by the Commission,
and were, as far as their funds would allow, carried out.
But only a beginning was made. Curbing was set on the street
line and brick sidewalks were laid practically half way
around the exterior of the grounds, and a brick sidewalk was
laid on the front approach to the building from Sixth Ave-
nue. This work should be completed and the interior walks
in the grounds as laid out should also be paved. The City of
Helena has graded the streets around the site, understand-
ing that the State would complete its part in curbing and
sidewalks, and we earnestly recommend that an appropria-
tion of sufficient amount to complete this work be made by
your Honorable body so that this work can be undertaken at
once.

The plans also called for trees and shrubbery to be set out
in various places in the grounds. The Commission set out
fifty trees on the Lockey and Montana Avenues fronts, part
being Carolina poplars and part elms. These trees have
flourished in spite of adverse conditions and the work should
go on to completion. There should also be trees and shrub-
bery set out inside the grounds. The plans prepared for
us give an approximate idea of what is needed and the list
of trees furnished with it can be followed or deviated from as
may seem best to those having charge of the work, but the
general idea should be followed, using as far as practicable,
native growth and making the grounds a State Park, adding
not only to the beauty of the property but showing to all con-

REPORT OF CAPITOL COMMISSION. 151

cerned the beautiful and profitable use to which our native
plants can be put.

The expense of the water supply under present conditions
is very heavy. It would be economy for the State to pur-
chase, if possible, a supply of water and, if necessary, a reser-
voir site where storage could be had in sufficient quantity to
furnish ample head for a supply for the building and
grounds. There are about ten acres of ground around the
building and the need for water during the dry season is very
great. It would take but a few years to pay for such a pur-
chase in the saving which would be effected in the annual
outlay for water, and if sufficient power could be obtained to
operate an electric plant to furnish light and power for the
building, the saving would be still greater. We earnestly
suggest that this matter be thoroughly inquired into and in-
telligentty dealt with.

The original contract for the construction of the building
was made with Mr. Joseph Soss, and was subsequently as-
signed to the Montana Building Co., a corporation formed
for the purpose of erecting this Capitol and whose President
and principal stockholder was Hon. H. L. Frank of Butte.
The contract was taken at a very low figure and almost im-
mediately thereafter material such as was to be used in the
construction began to advance in price. In consequence of
this, and other causes not necessary to mention, Mr. Frank
has undoubtedly lost a large sum of money. But in spite of
the fact that long before the building was completed Mr.
Frank knew that he would lose largely, he kept to his con-
tract and gave orders to his men in charge of the work to
carry it out faithfully and not attempt in any way to slight
or neglect the work. The following preamble and resolution
adopted by the Commission on July 5th, 1902, all mem-
bers except Gov. Toole being present, expresses the feeling
of the Commission regarding this matter :

WHEREAS : The Commission, being public servants
whose duties were denned by law, have always felt that the

L52 HISTORICAL SOCIKTY OK MONTANA

exercise of private judgment and inclination was to be ex-
cluded in their final decision in matters pertaining to the exe-
cution of the contract for the erection of the capitol, and,

WHEREAS : They have always held the contractor to the
strict terms of the contract, not allowing any variation ex-
cept for the benefit of the State, and,

WHEREAS : In case of doubt as to the interpretation of
the contract they have invariably given the State the benefit
of the doubt, and,

WHEREAS: This strict compliance has often worked
hardship on the contractor, and, -

WHEREAS: Other things which could not be forseen
have worked to the detriment of the contractor, causing loss,
and,

WHEREAS: Notwithstanding all of these, the contrac-
tor has faithfully carried out his contract as required by the
Commission, giving the State more than the value of the
money paid, and,

WHEREAS: We believe that his loss amounts approxi-
mately to fifty thousand ($50,000.00) dollars, therefore
be it,

RESOLVED : By the State Capitol Commission, that we
would recommend to the Legislature to give H. L. Frank, or
the Montana Building Co., such relief by law as justice and
equity would demand.

You will note that the amount therein expressed is "Ap-
proximately fifty thousand (f 50,000.00) dollars." We do
not mean to say by that, that Ave are satisfied as to that be-
ing the exact amount of Mr. Frank's loss, but only to suggest
an amount which we believe is within such loss and leave
it to the Legislature to ascertain the exact amount, if it sees
fit to do so. We feel that this is not an ordinary case and
that Mr. Frank exhibited a public spirit beyond that of most
of his fellow citizens in undertaking and completing this
work, and that the citizens of the State of Montana are too
big hearted and too generous to avail themselves of the prop-

REPORT OF CAPITOL COMMISSION. 153

erty of one of their number without rendering him due com-
pensation therefor. We trust that you may be enabled to
find some method of doing Mr. Frank full justice in this mat-
ter.

When closing up its work the Commission found that the
funds on hand would not be sufficient to complete all of the
work absolutely required to be done, in order to render the
building what it should be, and an arrangement was made
with The National Bank of Montana, The Union Bank and
Trust Co., and the American National Bank, all of Helena,
[Montana, to advance five thousand (f 5,000. 00) dollars, to
be repaid to it by appropriation from the next Legislative As-
sembly. This was done and we request that your Honorable
Body make such appropriation at as early a date as prac-
ticable.

Attached hereto will be found in detail the financial state-
ment of the Commission. We feel that the State is to be
congratulated that it has received value for every dollar
expended and that it has a home ornate and of ample size 10
accommodate it for years to come.

An appropriation was made by the Seventh Legislative
Assembly of sixty thousand ($60,000.00) dollars for furnish-
ing the building. This was expended under the supervision
of the State Furnishing Board, and has not been included in
any figures submitted by us.

Our work is completed and we earnestly hope that it will
be found satisfactory. The trust committed to us has been
discharged with fidelity and with such measure of ability as
we possessed. In conclusion we desire to express our thanks
for faithful service and assistance received from others with-
out whose aid we should have been in deeper troubles than
any we encountered. We would especially tender our thanks

154 HISTORICAL WOOIKTY OF MONTANA

to our Secretary, Mr. E. B. Kennedy, whose services have

been invaluable to us.

Respectfully submitted,

STATE CAPITOL COMMISSION.

J. K. TOOLE, Chairman.
E. BEACH,
J. M. FOX,
A. D. PECK,
T. L, GREENOUGH,
Attest :

E. B. KENNEDY, Secretary.

STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND D.SBURSEMENTS, SHOWING ACTUAL,
COST TO THE STATE OF BUILDING AND GROUNDS.

RECEIPTS.
Transfers-
Transfer from Interest acct. Public Building Fund $ 6,091.22

Transfer from Fund for Beautifying State Capitol Grounds ... 2,906.80
Transfer from Fund for completing and equiping State Cap-
itol 546.00

$ 9,544.02

From sales and leases of lands 7,775.09

From sale of Bonds 350,000.00

From Appropriations, 1901 $ 89,582.63

From Appropriations, 1902 29,582.63

$119,165.26

Total $486,484.37

DISBURSEMENTS.

Expenses Capitol Site Commission $ 1,446.00

Expenses first commission, 1896 $ 15,037.11

Expenses first commission, 1897 26,608.97

Expenses first commission, 1898 105.00

Interest paid on warrants 4,331.50

$ 46.0S2.61

Expenses present commission, 1898 $ 22,831.23

Expenses present commission, 1899 74,201.25

Expenses present commission, 1900.... 136,895.45

Expenses present commission, 1901 88,567.64

Expenses present commission, 1902 114,027.93

$436,523.50

Expenses Land Office 5 1,897.70

Transfers—

To General Fund $ S41-74

To School Income Fund 750.33

To University Bond Fund 20.28

To Capitol Bldg. Interest and Sinking 2,903.61

4,515.96

Tota] $490,465.77

REPORT OF CAPITOL COMMISSION. 155

SUMMARY.

Total disbursements $490,465.77

Total receipts 486,484.37

Overdraft $ 3.981.40

DETAILED STATEMENT OF AMOUNT EXPENDED BY PRESENT COMMIS-
SION DURING ITS TERM OP SERVICE.

For Capitol Building $367,649.3

For Architects Commissions 11.739.00

Commissioner's per diem and expenses 5,183. ><9

Salary of Secretary 3,900.00

Salary of Superintendent 6.253.00

Advertising1 and Printing 1,860.61

Rent of Offices 619. 98

Grounds, Curbing and Sidewalks 36.717.99

Interest on Bonds 18 34

Maintenance of building from Jan. 22, to July 4, 1902 2,254.1:2

Incidentals 327.28

Total .' $436,523.50

DETAILED STATEMENT OF COST OF LABOR AND MATERIAL OF CAPI-
TOL BUILDING, TO WHOM PAID AND FOR WHAT PURPOSE.

Montana Building Co. —

Contract price $2S9,S91.0O

Deductions account of ommissions S.271.99

$281,619.01

Amount paid for additional contracts 25.324.24

Montana Electric Co. —

Wire for lights $ 5.292.05

Wire for telephones 1,322.00

Wire for electric bells 315.00

Helena Power & Light Co.—

Power wire $ 365.12

$ 7,294.17

G. E. Sherman-
Weather strips 1.025.OU

F. Pedretti's Sons-
Decorating, as per contract $26,000.00

Glass work 2,989.50

Additional work decorating 2.225.00

Montana Blclg. Co., use of scaffold 2,000.00

$ 33.214.50

W. S. Edwards Mfg. Co.—
Electric fixtures $ 16,850.00

W. G. Bennett-
Oiling wooden floors 296.00

J. A. Murphy-
Additional supports floor of law library 429. <5

American Bronze Foundry Co.—

Bronze tablet 510.00

Alterations and repairs 1,080.62

$367,641* I I

PIONEER HISTORY AND
BIOGRAPHY.

156 IIIS'l'olMCAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA.

REMINISENCES OF PIONEER LIFE.

BY MRS. GEORGE F. COWAN.

First Impressions of Wonderland.

A trip from the East to Montana in 1864, or "crossing the
plains" in western parlance, is very unlike a similar trip of
to-day. At the present time you simply board a luxurious
palace car, and in a few days of a mile a minute gait, the
journey is over. In the sixties, at least three months of time
were required for a like distance, conceded by all who have
made the trip to be rough and wearisome.

To me, a girl of ten, it was an ideal one. Delighting in
out-door sports, with books of that character as frequent
companions, I enjoyed beyond measure the gypsy style of
travel, journeying toward the setting sun, expecting in all
probability to find the pot of gold at the rainbow's point.
For the land of gold was the objective place. Camping in
lovely nooks where wild flowers grew, traveling on to other
pleasant places before one had grown weary, sleeping at
night in the great white-capped wagons that were drawn by
gentle horses by day, being allowed to drive as a special
favor; then the never failing pleasure of appeasing prodig-
ious appetites — these were some of the joys of the first few
weeks. Later, seeing for the first time the Indians bartering
for beads, learning to ride horseback on an Indian pony —
even the hot, dry plains and scanty vegetation could not dim
such delights. Dangers of many sorts menaced the emigrant,
causing anxiety to our elders, little of which was allowed to
reach the children. At last without serious mishap we
reached Virginia City, Alder Gulch, the Mecca of the gold-
seeker at that time.

MRS. COWAN

GEO. F. COWAN

CHIEF JOSEPH NEZ PKRCE

IDA. CARPENTER

FRANK CARPENTER

REMINISCENCES OF PIONEER LIFE— MRS. G F. COWAN. 157

In hearing schoolmates of my own age, who had traveled
the same route, recount incidents of the trip, nights of terror
from actual or anticipated Indian attacks, I felt somewhat
aggrieved that something of a similar nature had not befallen
our party. We were very fortunate in not being attacked,
for we were poorly equipped for defense. My father, though
accounting himself a western man, did not consider the car-
rying of firearms one of the essentials. He seemed to have
little fear of the Indians, treating them kindly always, when
he came in contact with them. During these years Indian
scares were of frequent occurrence. People would flock to
a nearby town or post, but not my father. It so happened
that nothing came of these scares, and he would laugh at
the returning neighbors. Naturally then, I grew to believe
that the threatened outbreaks were a sort of bugaboo story,
without much real foundation for fear.

In Virginia City, where we lived the first year in Mon-
tana, 1864-5, my father one day brought home an old man,
whose name I cannot recall, who told us some very marvel-
ous stories. He had been in the West for vears, and was
living at that time at Henry Lake, trapping and hunting,
and during the winter season marketing fish from the lake.
My father termed them fish stories. However, I enjoyed
them immensely. My fairy books could not equal such won-
derful tales. Fountains of boiling water, crystal clear,
thrown hundreds of feet in air, only to fall into cups of their
own forming; pools of water within whose limpid depths
tints of the rainbow were reflected; mounds and terraces of
gaily colored sand — these and many others were the tales un-
folded. Though the old man might have been rough and
uncultured, he seemed to have an innate appreciation of the
beautiful in nature. He told of the beauties of the now Na-
tional Park, though never a word of that which savors some-
what of the uncanny, the hot mud and sulphur. I fancy he
dared not, lest we should consider him daft. He told us
much that is familiar to those who have since visited the

168 HISTORICAL, SOCIETY OF MONTANA

geysers, a region in those years almost unknown. Although
we enjoyed his stories, for he told them well, they were con-
sidered by me, even, as by others, merely the phantasy of his
imagination. Still I gleaned then my first impressions of
Wonderland. As I grew older and found truth in his state-
ments, the desire to some day visit this land was ever present.

One writer hath said, "It has been wisely ordained that we
see not the perils that beset our pathway." Could I have
looked forward a score of years and realized that the saddest
day of my life was to be lived within its borders, sorrow
would have become a burden too great to bear. The all-wise
Hand lifts not the veil of futurity. Sufficient unto the dav
is the evil thereof.

A Trip to the Mammoth Hot Springs in 1873.

In 1873 a trip to the Mammoth Hot Springs, Wyo., was
much enjoyed. The road through the Yellowstone canyon
below Cinnabar was scarcely more than a trail, but by care-
ful driving, unhitching the horses and drawing the wagon
by hand over the most dangerout places, we made it in safe-
ty. A few weeks prior, a sick woman had been carried on a
travois over the same route and was at the springs taking
the baths. We found an acquaintance or two, a number of
strangers, a small hotel and a bath house.

The trip to the geysers from this point, a distance of seven-
ty-five miles, was on horseback. We had not arranged to
go farther and were content to have reached the springs. We
found much that was novel and interesting about them and
brought home many pretty souvenirs in the way of coated
baskets and other articles, which you have only to suspend
under the flow of certain springs to have them beautifully
incrnsted. We spent a very pleasant two weeks. Several
parties came and went to the geysers during our stay, and
thev gave us manv interesting accounts. But words seemed
inadequate to express or convey the wonders they had seen,
one and all would say. You must see them yourself. By
this time, through books, newspaper articles and friends, I

REMINISCENCES OF PIONEER LIFE-MRS. G F. COWAN. 159

had acquired a considerable knowledge of Wonderland, and
it had lost none of its fascination. It was also of much serv-
ice to me some years later.

In 1875 I was married, and in 1877, two years later, occurr-
ed our memorable trip to the Park and capture by the Nez
Perce Indians.

We are told that the Indian is superstitious. To him any-
thing out of the ordinary must be possessed of the Evil One.
The phenomena of the geysers account for the fact very prob-
ably that this land is not now and never has been an Indian
countrv. Few Indian trails are found within the boundaries
of the Park, as they are in other parts of the West. Yet, this
year, of all others, the Indians were very much in evidence
in the National Park, as we found to our sorrow. We were
thankful, however, that it was the Nez Perces we encounter-
ed, rather than a more hostile tribe, as they were partially
civilized and generally peaceful.* Yet, at this day, knowing
something of the circumstances that led to the final outbreak
and uprising of these Indians, I wonder that any of us were
spared. Truly, a quality of mercy was shown us during
our captivity that a Christian might emulate, and at a time
when they must have hated the very name of the white race.

Deprived of their reservation, on which they had lived
years without number, and because they rebelled and refused
to sign a treaty giving up the last remnant of this land, hunt-
ed and hounded and brought to battle, wounded and des-
perate, fleeing with their wives and children to any land
where the white man was not — yet were they kind to us, a
handful of the hated oppressors. Think of it, you who as-
sume to be a civilized people ! Less than ten days had elapsed
since the Big Hole fight in Montana, in which women and
children, as well as warriors, were killed by the score. A
number, badly wounded, were in camp while we were there.

*See Chittenden's "Yellowstone," page 125, and Topping's "Chronicles of
the Yellowstone," page 227, for high estimate of Nez Perce character.— Ed.

100 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

Yet were we treated kindly, given food and horses, and sent
to our home.

The history of this people is an interesting one, inasmuch
as, until this outbreak, they had tried to live up to the re-
quirements of civilization. That the chiefs could not al-
ways control a few lawless members is not to be wondered at.
The same might be said of a civilized people. Their history
is well worth reading, though, as is usually the case, it does
not reflect credit on the white race. Still we must remem-
ber that to the pioneer, at least, the Indian was a foe; not
an individual or a tribe even, but the whole race was an ene-
my who must be conquered peacefully if possible. Other-
wise the pioneer was unable to discriminate between the good
and the bad Indian. In fact the only Indians the pioneer
considered really good were those who had passed over the
Long Divide. The Indian, realizing the encroachment of the
paleface, retaliates in the only way he knows. As well
might he try to stem the current of a mighty river as to stay
the tide of immigration when it is set Westward Ho.
A Trip to the National Park in 1877. — An Account of the Nez
Perce Raid from a Woman's Standpoint. —
Incidents and Accidents.

The summer of 1877 was exceedingly hot and dry. This,
together with a grasshopper raid, which was not the least of
the trials of the pioneer, made the necessity of closing up the
house to keep out the pests almost unbearable. My brother
Frank, visiting us from Helena, told us of his intention to
visit the Park, and asked us to be of the party. It required
but little effort on his part to enthuse us, and we soon began
preparations for the trip. Several people from our town,
Kadersburg, talked also of going, but by the time we were
ready, one acquaintance only, Mr. Charles Mann, joined our
party from that town. I induced my mother to allow my
young sister, a child of a little more than a dozen years, to
accompany me, as I was to be the only woman of the party
and she would be so much company for me.

REMINISCENCES OF PIONEER LIFE-MRS. G F. COWAN. ltil

The party consisted all told of the following persons: A.
J. Arnold, J. A. Oldham and a Mr. Dingee, all of Helena,
Mr. Charles Mann, my brother, Frank Carpenter, Mr. Cow-
an, my sister, self and cook named Myers. We were nicely
outfitted with an easy double-seated carriage, baggage wag-
on and four saddle horses, one of them my own pony, a birth-
day gift from my father years before, which I named Bird
because she was trim and fleet. That I was fond of her goes
without saying. We were well equipped in the way of pro-
visions, tents, guns and last, but not least, musical instru-
ments. With J. A. Oldham as violinist, my brother's guitar,
and two or three fair voices, we anticipated no end of pleas-
ure.

We left Radersburg the 6th of August, camping the first
night at Three Forks. Our way lay up the Madison via Hen-
ry Lake, a road having been built to the Lower Geyser Basin
from that direction. Although some parts of this would
scarcely pass as a road, we traveled it without mishap. The
second day's ride brought us to Sterling, a small town in
Madison county, and it was a pleasant one. But as night
approached, we were still some miles from town. Leaving
our slower baggage wagon, we pushed on, reaching town
after dark. As we could not camp until the wagon came, we
went to the hotel for supper, and made camp later. Several
of the townspeople joined us there, and we heard for the
first time rumors of Indian trouble. Some advised us not
to go farther, but we did not think it more than an old time
Indian scare, and when morning came, bright and beauti-
ful, we decided to go on our way. Often, with night, I would
feel somewhat timid, but with the daylight my fears would
be dispelled.

The next noon found us at Ennis, and 12 miles farther up
the Madison for our night camp. We passed the last of the
ranches that afternoon. At Ennis, my husband had been told
we would find fine fishing at Henry Lake, also boats, spears,
skeins and all sorts of tackle. The man to whom they be-

162 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

longed, however, was at one of the ranches cutting hay, but
would give us the key to the boat house if we could find him.
Inquiring at the ranch to which we had been directed, we
found that he was gone to another, some five miles distant.
My disappointment may be imagined, for my fancy had run
riot and I fully expected to see the Old Man of the tales of
my childhood. A horseback ride of a few miles obtained the
key, but my curiosity was not satisfied then or afterward.

In the afternoon two days later, we left the Madison river,
up which we had been traveling, and crossed a low divide,
getting our first glimpse of the lake. The view from this
point is exceedingly pretty. Some of the pleasantest days of
our outing trip were spent here. Innumerable flocks of wild
fowl have their home in this isolated spot. Low, marshy land
encircles the greater part of the lake, but where the houses
are built the ground is much higher, giving a fine view of
the lake and surrounding hills. An immense spring affords
a sufficient stream of water to float boats through the marsh
and out to the lake.

Torchlight fishing by night was a unique pastime. Great
schools of fish, attracted by the glare of light from the blaz-
ing pine knots, gathered about the prow of the boat. Some
fine ones were speared and delicious meals enjoyed. Noth-
ing quite equals the fine salmon trout unless it may be a ven-
ison steak or the perfectly delicious grouse, the thought of
which sets my heart longing for the breezy pine-capped hills
and mountain stream.

One summer day Mr. Cowan and I mounted our horses in
search of larger game, to-wit : the venison steak. But
though we spent the entire day in the saddle, ranging over
the hills and gulches, we found not a track. At sundowrn
we returned to camp, only to find it deserted. The others of
the party had planned to cross the lake and explore Snake
river, which has its source in Henry lake. They had not
yet returned and we could see nothing of them. The day,
which had been lovely, changed with the setting of the sun.

REMINISCENCES OF I'luXEER LIFE-MRS. G F. COWAN. 163

Great banks of clouds came scurrying across the sky. The
soughing- of wind through the pines brought the thought of
storm, the darkness was coming rapidly and the day ending
drearily. I was in a fever of anxiety, feeling sure some acci-
dent had befallen them. We made a great bonfire, and not
long afterward there came a faint hello from across the water,
a most welcome sound. A long half hour elapsed then be-
fore they reached camp, tired but jolly. A strong head wind
and a broken oar had made it all but impossible to land. A
rousing fire, good supper, comparing notes, telling stories,
singing songs, ended a long remembered day.

The following morn we broke camp and continued our
travel. We passed to the southeast and crossed Targhee
Pass, then through ten miles of pine barrens, and camped
again on the Madison river at the mouth of the canyon. This
point was used some years later by the soldiers who were
stationed in the Park, and called Eiverside station. It was
finallv abandoned because of the small amount of travel by
way of Henry lake. Some nineteen times we crossed the river
in traveling through the canyon. Fortunately, the water was
low, so we had no trouble on that score. The road was very
dim, however, and the men rode in advance. As they passed
out of the stream they would tie a white cloth to a bush or
bough, thus indicating just where to ford. Some very pic-
turesque scenery is found along this route. Flowers grew
in profusion, many varieties I had not found elsewhere.

Our last camp before reaching the Lower Basin wTas at
the junction of the Gibbon and Firehole rivers, these two
forming the Madison. WTe caught some delicious speckled
trout here, our last good fishing grounds. The appetite of
the crowd by this time was something appalling, or so the
cook seemed to think. At the present time a strike would
have been in order. As it was, he could only shirk. We all
assisted with the work, which soon meant doing the greater
part of it. However, we were good campers and not inclined to
grumble. We were in fine health and enjoying the outdoor

164 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

life to the utmost. We seemed !<> be in a world <>r our own.
\oi n soul had avc seen save our own party, and neither mail
nor news of any sort had reached us since leaving the ranches
on the Madison. Although we were having a pleasant time,
it seemed moid lis rather than days since we had left the
haunts of man. With the Park teeming with life, as it is
today, one can scarcely realize the intense solitude which
then pervaded this land, fresh from the Maker's hand as it
were.

Leaving the Gibbon Fork after dinner, we traveled several
miles of low foothills and entered the Lower Geyser Basin.
We had at last reached Wonderland. Mr. Cowan insisted
always on making camp before doing anything else, putting
up tents, gathering the fragrant pine boughs for our camp
beds, getting things to rights in regular house-keeping order.
But this day our first sight of the geysers with columns of
steam rising from innumerable vents and the smell of the
Inferno in the air from the numerous sulphur springs, made
us simply wild with the eagerness of seeing all things at
once. We left the teams, which, by the way, entered no pro-
test, being worn out by the long travel, and we ran and
shouted and called to each other to see this or chat, so that
we soon became separated and knew it not.

My small sister and I could scarcely keep pace with the
men, but we found enough to interest us, turn where we
would. T recalled and told to her many of the tales told me of
this weird land in earlier years. How vividly they came to
mind! As we wandered about we found some things that
were curious, but not altogether pleasant. Among them was
a deep depression, full of mud as thick as hasty pudding,
that bubbled and spluttered and popped with a loud ex-
plosion. A stick thrown in was quickly sucked out of sight,
and the fate of a human being falling in could easily be
imagined. It gave one a somewhat creepy feeling. At length,
as it was nearty sundown and some distance from where
we had left the teams, we deemed it best to retrace our steps.

REMINISCENCES OF PIONEER EIFE— MRS. G F. COWAN. 105

We were hungry and tired, but altogether happy. We had
realized our expectations. Our camp that night was not
quite up to the standard, but no complaints were entered.

The next day we established a permanent camp near the
Fountain Geyser, and made daily short excursions to the
different points of interest. We explored every nook and
cranny of the Lower Basin and were ready for pastures new.
We had reached the terminus of the wagon road, but trails
led in various directions, one to the Upper Geyser Basin,
another to the Palls and Yellowstone lake by wTay of Mary's
lake. As we could go no farther with the wagon we decided
to leave our camp intact, only taking the few things neces-
sary for a few days' stay in the Upper Basin, and go horse-
back. This we did, and pitched our tent that night in a
point of timber, Aery close to the Castle Geyser, which by
way of reception, gave a night eruption, covering us with
spray and making a most unearthly noise. I was sure the
earth would be rent asunder and we would be swallowed up.
At night, with our heads pillowed on the breast of Mother
Earth, one seemed in close proximity to Dante's Inferno.
I think his spirit must have visited the Park in some remote
age for inspiration.

At dawn we circled around the crater, too late to see more
than great columns of steam. We saw this geyser in erup-
tion several times while in the basin, but by daylight it did
not seem so terrifying. The Giantess was not in eruption
during our stay of five days. We enjoyed the Grand, con-
sidering it rightly named. In the meantime my brother,
with some others of the party, had gone to the Falls and
Yellowstone lake. We remained five days in the Upper Basin
and arranged to meet the others on the 22d in the Lower
Basin.

Thursday, the 23d of August, found us all at the home
camp, as we termed it, ready to retrace our steps towards
civilizaton. We had had a delightful time, but were ready
for home. This day we encountered the first and only party

166 Ills l-i >L.f Al, KuCIKTV oK MONTANA

of tourists we had seen, General Sherman and parly* They
had come into the Park by way of the Mammoth Hot Springs.

Of them avo learned of the Nez Perce raid and the Big Hole
fight. We also received the very unpleasant impression that
we might meet the Indians before we reached home. No
one seemed to know just where they were going. The scout
who was with the General's party assured us we would be
perfectly safe if we would remain in the Basin, as the Indians
would never come into the Park. I observed, however, that
his party preferred being elsewhere, as they left the Basin
that same night.

That afternoon another visitor called at camp, an old man
by the name of Shively, who was traveling from the Black
Hills and was camped half a mile down the valley. Home
seemed a very desirable place just at this particular time,
and we decided with one accord to break camp in the morn-
ing, with a view of reaching it as soon as possible. Naturally
we felt somewhat depressed and worried over the news re-
ceived. My brother Frank and Al Oldham, in order to en-
liven us somewhat, sang songs, told jokes, and finally dressed
up as brigands, with pistols, knives and guns strapped on
them. Al Oldham, with his swart complexion, wearing a
broad sombrero, looked a typical one, showing off to good
advantage before the glaring camp fire. They made the
woods ring with their nonsense and merriment for some
time.

We probably would not have been so serene, had we known
that the larger part of .the audience consisted of the Indians,
who were lurking out in the darkness, watching and prob-
ably enjoying the fun. Such was really the fact, as they in-
formed us later, designating Oldham as Big Chief. The ad-
vance party of Indians had come into the Basin early in the
evening. Before morning the entire Indian encampment was
within a mile of us, and we had not heard an unusual sound,
though I for one slept lightly.

See Chittenden's account, page 112, "The Yellowstone National Park."— (Ed.)

REMINISCENCES OE PIONEER LIFE— MRS. G F. COWAN. 167

I was already awake when the men began building the
camp fire, and I heard the first guttural tones of the two or
three Indians who suddenly stood by the fire. I peeped out
through the flap of the tent, although I was sure they were
Indians before I looked. I immediately aroused my hus-
band, who was soon out. They pretended to be friendly, but
talked little. After some consultation the men decided to
break camp at once and attempt to move out as though noth-
ing unusual was at hand. No one cared for breakfast save
the Indians, who quickly devoured everything that was pre-
pared. By this time twenty or thirty Indians were about to
camp, and more coming. The woods seemed full of them. A
line of timber was between us and the main camp. Some little
time was required to pull down tents, load the wagons, har-
ness and saddle the horses, and make ready for travel. While
Mr. Cowan was engaged elsewhere one of the men — Mr. Ar-
nold, I think — began dealing out sugar and flour to the In-
dians on their demand. My husband soon observed this and
peremptorily ordered the Indians away, not very mildly
either. Naturally they resented it, and I think this materi-
ally lessened his chances of escape.

So much ammunition had been used on the trip, especially
at Henry lake, that the supply was practically exhausted.
Mr. Cowan had five cartridges only, about ten all told in the
party. It was a fortunate thing probably that we had no
more, for had the men been well armed, they would have at-
tempted a defense, which could only have ended disastrously
to us. Six men arrayed against several hundred Indians
splendidly armed would not have survived long.

We drove out finally on the home trail, escorted by forty or
fifty Indans. In fact, they all seemed to be going our way ex-
cept the squaw camp, which we met and passed as they were
traveling up the Firehole towards Mary's lake. A mile or
more was traveled in this way, when the Indians for some
reason called a halt. We were then a few hundred yards
from where the road enters the timber and ascends the hill-

168 HISTORICAL SoCIFTY OF MONTANA

side. One of the- Indians seated on a horse near Mr. Cowan,
who was also on horseback, raised his hand and voice, ap-
parently giving some commands, for immediately forty or
fifty Indians came out of the line of timber, where they had
evidently been in ambush for our benefit. Another Indian,
addressing Mr. Cowan and pointing to the Indian who had
given the command, said in good English, "Him Joseph."
And this was our introduction to that chief. Every Indian car-
ried splendid guns, with belts full of cartridges. As the morn-
ing sunshine glinted on the polished surface of the gun bar-
rels a regiment of soldiers could not have looked more for-
midable. We were told to backtrack, which we did, not
without some protest, realizing however the utter futility.
The Indians pretended all this while to be our very good
friends, saying that if they should let us go, bad Indians, as
they termed them, would kill us.

Passing and leaving our morning camp to the right, we
traversed the trail towards Mary's lake for two miles. We
could go no farther with the wagons on account of fallen
timber. Here we unhitched, mounted the horses, taking
from the wagon the few things in the way of wraps that we
could carry conveniently, and moved on. It gave us no pleas-
ure to see our wagons overhauled, ransacked and destroyed.
Spokes were cut from the buggy wheels and used as whip
handles. We did not appreciate the fact that the Indians
seemed to enjoy the confiscated property. One young chap
dashed past us with several yards of pink mosquito bar tied
to his horse's tail. A fine strip of swansdown, a trophy from
Henry lake, which an ugly old Indian had wrapped around
his head turban fashion, did not please me either.

Regardless of the fact that they had been harassed and
hard pressed and expected battle any moment — not from
Howard's command, whom they termed for some reason
"squaw soldiers," — but from the Bannack Indians, eighty of
whom were the advance scouts for General Howard — the
majority of the Nez Perces were light-hearted and seemed

REMINISCENCES OF PIONEER LIFE— MRS. G F. COWAN. 169

not to worry over the outcome of their campaign. Perhaps
to worry is a prerogative of the white race. The Baunack
scouts referred to were following closely at the heels of the
Kez Perces and could have attacked them several times had
they so desired, but for some reason they did not.

After traveling some ten miles, a noon camp was made,
fires lighted and dinner prepared. Poker Joe (we did not
learn the Indian name) acted as interpreter. He talked
good English, as could all of them when they desired.
Through him we were told that if we would give up our
horses and saddles for others that would be good enough to
take us home, they would release us and we would be allowed
to return to the settlement without harm. Many. of their
horses were worn out from the long, hurried march. Under
the circumstances we acquiesced, and an exchange began. I
was seated on my pony, watching proceedings, when I ob-
served that two or three Indians were gathering around me,
apparently admiring my horse, also gently leading her away
from the rest of my party. They evidently wanted the ani-
mal and I immediately slipped out of the saddle to the
ground, knowing I should never see my pony again, and went
over to where Mr. Cowan was being persuaded that an old
rackabone gray horse was a fair exchange for his fine mount.
He was persuaded.

It occurs to me at this writing that the above mode of
trading is a fair reflection of the lesson taught by the whites.
For instance, a tribe of Indians are located on a reservation.
Gold is discovered thereon by some prospector. A stampede
follows. The strong arm of the government alone prevents
the avaricious pale face from possessing himself of the land
forthwith. Soon negotiations are pending with as little
delay as a few yards of red tape will admit. A treaty is
signed, the strip ceded to the government and opened to
settlers, and "Lo, the poor Indian" finds himself on a tract
a few degrees more arid, a. little less desirable than his form-

170 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

er home. The Indian has few rights the average white settler
feels bound to respect.

In a measure I had gotten over my first fright. The In-
dians seemed friendly and the prospect of release probable.
Poker Joe, mounted on my husband's horse, made the circle
of the camp, shouting in a sonorous voice some commands
relative to the march apparently, as the squaws soon began
moving. He came to us finally and told us we could go. We
lost no time in obeying the order. Two of our party, Dingee
and Arnold, escaped into the timber at this time, though they
were not missed by Mr. Cowan or me until later. All went
well with us for half a mile or so. Then to our dismay we
discovered Indians following us. They soon came up and
said the chief wanted to see us again. Back we turned, pass-
ed the noon camp, now deserted, and up and on to higher
timbered ground. My side saddle had been placed on a poor
old horse and given to me, but the others were without sad-
dles. We rode along the trail, my husband and I in advance,
followed by my sister and brother and others of our party,
Indians on every side, twenty or thirty of them. Their gaiety
of the morning was lacking, the silence seemed ominous. The
pallor of my husband's face told me he thought our danger
great. I hoped we would soon overtake the squaw camp,
for I fancied we would be safer. They seemed the same old
dirty Indians familiar to all Western people.

Suddenly, without warning, shots rang out. Two Indians
came dashing down the trail in front of us. My husband
was getting off his horse. I wondered for what reason. I
soon knew, for he fell as soon as he reached the ground — fell
headlong down the hill. Shots followed and Indian yells,
and all was confusion. In less time than it takes me to tell
it, I was off my horse and by my husband's side, where he
lay against a fallen pine tree. I heard my sister's screams
and called to her. She came and crouched by me, as I knelt
by his side. I saw he was wounded in the leg above the knee,
and by the way the blood spurted out I feared an artery had

COWAN VIEWS

1. Capt. and Mrs. Co/zan in August, 1902, where second shooting took place.

2. Where the wagons were abandoned.

3. The party, August 18, 1902, near point of capture in 1877.

4. Capt. Cowan on spot where he was first shot.

5. Cowan's Camp, 1877— Lower Geyser Basin.

6. The council spot, taken August 1 8, 1902.

7. The Cowan family at home, August 10, 1902.

REMINISCENCES OF PIONEER LIFE-MRS. G F. COWAN. 171

been severed. He asked for water. I dared not leave him to
get it, even had it been near. I think we both glanced up the
hill at the same moment, for he said, "Keep quiet. It won't
last long." That thought had flashed through my mind also.
Every gun of the whole party of Indians was leveled on us
three. I shall never forget the picture, which left an impress
that years cannot efface. The holes in those gun barrels
looked as big as saucers.

I gave it only a glance, for my attention was drawn to
something near at hand. A pressure on my shoulder was
drawing me away from my husband. Looking back and up
over my shoulder, I saw an Indian with an immense navy
pistol trying to get a shot at my husband's head. Wrenching
my arm from his grasp, I leaned over my husband, only to be
roughly drawn aside. Another Indian stepped up, a pistol
shot rang out, my husband's head fell back, and a red stream
trickled down his face from beneath his hat. The warm
sunshine, the smell of blood, the horror of it all, a faint re-
membrance of seeing rocks thrown at his head, my sister's
screams, a sick faint feeling, and all was blank.

Of the others of the party, all had run for the brush, in-
cluding my brother. An Indian followed him and was about
to fire, when Prank for a reason best known to himself, male
the sign of the cross. The Indian immediately lowered bis
gun and told my brother to follow him. No other attempt
was made on his life. He saw me ahead of him several times,
fastened with a strap behind an Indian. He did not dare to
make a point of getting near enough to speak. He was help-
ing to drive the horses. We had overtaken the squaw camp.
We afterwards learned that the chiefs, suspecting mischief
from a few lawless Indians, had sent back Poker Joe to
prevent further trouble.

After coming to my senses my first recollection was of a
great variety of noises — hooting, yelling, neighing of horses
— all jumbled together. For a while it seemed afar off. I be-
came conscious finally that someone was calling my name,

Ii2 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

and I tried to answer. Presently my brother rode close be-
side me. He told me later that I looked years older and that
I was ghastly white. He tried to comfort me and said the
Indians had told him no further harm should befall us. It
seemed to me the assurance had come too late. I could see
nothing but my husband's dead face with the blood upon it.
I remember Frank's telling me my sister was safe, but it
seemed not to impress me much at the time.

The Indians soon learned that my brother was familiar
with the trail, and he was sent forward. Over this mount-
ain range, almost impassable because of the dense timber,
several hundred head of loose horses, pack horses, camp ac-
coutrements, and the five or six hundred Indians were trying
to force a passage. A narrow trail had sufficed for tourists.
It was a feat few white people could have accomplished with-
out axe or implements of some sort to cut the way. ft re-
quired constant watching to prevent the loose horses from
straying away. As it was, many were lost and recovered by
the Bannack Indians later. The pack animals also caused
trouble, often getting wedged in between trees. An old squaw
would pound them on the head until they backed out. \.nd
such yelling! Their lungs seemed in excellent condition.

The wearisome up-hill travel was at length accompli sh«vl.
Beyond the summit the timber was less dense, with open
glades and parks. Finally, at dusk we came to quite a valley,
which had already begun to glow with campfires, though many
were not lighted until some time later. The Indian who was
leading my horse — for I bad been allowed to ride alone after
recovering consciousness, the Indian retaining a grip on the
bridle — threaded his way past numerous campfires and final-
ly stopped near one. As if by a pre-arranged plan someone
came to the horse, enveloped in a blanket. Until he spoke I
thought it to be an Indian, and I was clasped in the arms of
my brother. Tears then, the first in all these dreary hours,
came to my relief. He led me to the fire and spoke to an In-
dian seated there, who, I was told was Chief Joseph. He did

REMINISCENCES OF PIONEER LIFE-MRS. G F. COWAN. 173

not speak, but motioned me to sit down. Frank spread a
blanket on the ground, and I sank down on it, thoroughly ex-
hausted. A number of squaws about the fire were getting
supper. My first question had been for ray sister. I was
told she was at Poker Joe's camp, some little distance away,
together with the old man Shively, who was captured the
evening before we were. I was told I could see her in the
morning, and with this assurance I had to be satisfied. Food
was offered me, but I could not eat.

My brother tried to converse with Chief Joseph, but with-
out avail. The chief sat by the fire, sombre/ and silent, for-
seeing in his gloomy meditations possibly the unhappy ending
of his campaign. The "noble red man" we read of was more
nearly impersonated in this Indan than in any I have ever
met. Grave and dignified, he looked a chief.

A squaw sat down near me with a babe in her arms. My
brother wishing to conciliate them, I suppose, lifted it up and
placed it on my lap. I glanced at the chief and saw the glim-
mer of a smile on his face, showing that he had heart beneath
the stony exterior. The squaw was all smiles, showing her
white teeth. Seeing that I was crying, the squaw seemed
troubled and said to my brother, "Why cry?" He told her
my husband had been killed that day. She replied, "She
heartsick." I was indeed.

The Indians were without tepees, which had been aband-
oned in their flight from the Big Hole fight, but pieces of can-
vas were stretched over a pole or bush, thus affording some
protection from the cold night air. My brother and I sat
out a weary vigil by the dying embers of the campfire, sadly
wondering what the coming day would bring forth. The
Indian who had befriended him told him we should be liber-
ated and sent home. But they had assured us a safe re-
treat the day previous and had not kept faith. Near morning,
rain began falling. A squaw arose, replenished the fire, and
then came and spread a piece of canvas over my shoulders to
keep off the dampness.

174 HISTORICAL SOC1KTY OK MONTANA

Ai dawn, fires were lighted, and soon all was activity, and
breakfast under way. I was surprised to see, as the morning
sunshine gleamed on them, innumerable brand-new brass
kettles. Later, we learned that the Indians at Camas creek
had made a flank movement and captured some of General-
Howard's commissary supplies. The squaws evidently
prized the kettles very highly, showing a true housewifely
care in not allowing them to be used on the campflre, using
them for water only. Some bread, yellow with soda, from
the same source probably, and willow tea were offered me, but
I was not yet hungry. Poker Joe came up and offered l.o
take me to my sister. Frank was told to remain at the camp
for the present, and I clasped his hand, not knowing if I
should see him again.

Only a short distance away, which I would have walkol
gladly the night before, I found my sister. Such a forlorn
looking child I trust I may never again see. She threw her-
self into my arms in a very paroxysm of joy. She seemed
not to be quite certain that I was alive, even though she had
been told. Mr. Shively, the old man before referred to, was
at this camp, and I was as glad to see him as though I had
known him always. He gave us much encouragement. Thi
Indians had talked more freely with him and he had tried to
impress upon them the wisdom of releasing us, telling ilmm
we had lived many vears in the West and had manv frien Is
and that it would be to their advantage to let us go.

Poker Joe again made the circle of the camp, giving orders
for the day's march. We were furnished with horses and
my brother came up leading them. The four of us r>de to-
gether that morning. We reached the crossing of the Vel-
lowstone near the mud geysers at noon. The Indians plunged
into tin1 stream without paying much regard to the regular
ford, and camped on the opposite shore. At this poiut .1
few days later, the Bannack Indians, scouting for Howard,
came to this camp and found a poor old wounded Nez Perce
squaw, who, too sick to travel, had been left here with bread

REMINISCENCES OF PIONEER LIFE— MRS. G F. COWAN. 175

and water within reach. They proceeded to kill and scalp
her without delav, celebrating this great achievement with a
war dance when the General's command arrived.

We watched the fording for some time, and finally crossed,
finding the water deep enough near the farther bank to swim
the horses, thus getting ourselves uncomfortably wet. For-
tunately, one seldom takes cold in camp life, however great
the exposure. During the forenoon the Indians had cap-
tured a soldier, a deserter evidently. He told them of the
Helena tourists camped near the Falls, the number of the
men and horses. In fording, we observed that five warriors
were with the party. It was composed chiefly of the squaw
camp, and we concluded the warriors had retraced their
steps to attack the Helena party.* Why they were not at-
tacked until the next noon we could only conjecture.

At the squaw camp, dinner was being prepared. I had be-
gun to feel faint from lack of food. I forced down a little
bread, but nothing more. Fish was offered me, but I de-
clined with thanks. I had watched the squaw prepare them
something after this wise: From a great string of fish the
largest were selected, cut in two, dumped into au immense
camp-kettle filled with water, and boiled to a pulp. The
formality of cleaning had not entered into the formula.
While I admit that tastes differ, I prefer having them !re-,s-
ed.

A council was being held. We were seated in the shade if
some trees watching proceedings. Six or seven Inciting -
the only ones who seemed to be in camp at the time— s it in
a circle and passed a long pipe one to another. Each (o>k
a few whiffs of smoke, and then one by one they arose and
spoke. Poker Joe interpreted for us. Presently he said the
Indians had decided to let my sister and me go, together with
the soldier Avho had been captured that morning, but would
hold my brother and Shively for guides. I had not been

*See Andrew J. Weikert's Journal, Vol. III., "Contributions to Histori-
cal Society of Montana." — Ed.

lTti HISTORICAL, SOCIETY OF MONTANA

favorably impressed with the soldier. Intuition told me he
was not trustworthy, and I refused to go unless my brother
was also released. This caused another discussion, but thev
agreed to it, and preparations were made for our departure.
A search was made for my side saddle, but without avail. It
was found later by some of Howard's soldiers near where Mr.
Cowan was shot.

Some of our own bedding, a waterproof wrap, a jacket for
my sister, bread and matches, and two old wornout horses
were brought, and we were ready. We clasped hands sadly
with our good friend Shively, promising to deliver some
messages to friends in Philipsburg should we escape. His
eyes were dim with tears. In reality, I considered his chances
of escape better than our own, and so told him. The Indians
needed him for a guide. "We may be intercepted by the war-
riors out of camp," I said. "No," he replied, "something
tells me you will get out safely."

We crossed the river again, mv brother riding behind Pok-
er Joe, who went with us a half mile or more, showing us
presently a well denned trail down the river. He told
us we must ride "All Night, All Day, No Sleep — we
would reach Bozeman on second dav." He reiterated again
and again that we must ride all night. We shook hands and
set out, not very rapidly. My brother walked and the horses
we rode were worn out. It seemed folly to think we could
escape. Furthermore, we placed no confidence in the Indian.
I regret to say that as soon as he was out of sight we left
the river trail and skirted along in the timber.

After several miles of travel in this way, we came to a
valley through which we must pass to reach the trail down
by the Falls. We decided to wait on a timbered knoll over-
looking the valley until the darkest part of the night, so that
we might cross without being seen by the Indians. The
moonlight was so bright that it wTas two o'clock or more be-
fore we attempted it. After crossing nearly half way, we
came to a washout or cut, over which we could jump the

REMINISCENCES OF PIONEER LIFE— MRS. G F. COWAN. 177

horses. It seemed to me hours before we finally came to a
place where we could cross, so that before we gained the
shelter of the timber once more, it was broad daylight.
We were on the lookout for both Indians and white men.
We knew the Helena party must be in this vicinity unless
they had been attacked. Near the Falls we heard a noise
that sounded like someone chopping. We did not think
it best to stop and investigate, but moved on as rapidly as
possible. The poor old horses needed constant urging to
make them travel as fast as my brother could walk.

We passed down the river, leaving to our left the moun-
tain pass over which the Indians had brought us the day be-
fore. We dared not retrace that route, even though my
husband lay dead there — dead and unburied, perhaps drag-
ged and torn by wild beasts. My own peril seemed of little
consequence, compared with the cruel agony of this thought.
We passed the Palls. I was familiar with the route from
this point. I was sure we should find friends nearer than
Bozeman, as Poker Joe had said. We would find them at
the Mammoth Hot Springs.

About noon the signs of some one ahead of us were appar-
ent. In crossing streams, pony tracks in the wet sand were
plainly seen, and the marks of a rope or lasso that had been
dragged in the dust of the trail indicated Indians. They
often drag the rope thus, I am told. We passed Lower creek
and stopped a very short time to rest the horses. A few
hours later, in rounding a point of timber, we saw in a little
meadow not far bevond, a number of horses and men. At the
first glance we thought them Indians. Frank drew our
horses back into the timber and went forward to investigate.
He returned in a very few minutes and declared them sold-
iers. Oh, such a feeling of relief !

Imagine their surprise when we rode into the camp and
mv brother told them we were fleeing from the Indians, the
only survivors of our party, as he believed then. The soldier
we had left in the Nez Perce camp the day before was a de-

Iti HISTORICAL SOCIE5TY OF MONTANA

serter from this company. Retribution closely followed
transgression in his case. Mr. Shively escaped after being
with the Indians ten days, but the fate of the soldier we did
not learn.

This company of soldiers was a detachment from Fort Ellis,
with Lieutenant Schofield in command. They were sent out
to ascertain the whereabouts of the Nez Perces, and were
returning in the belief that the Indians were not in that
vicinity. Of them we learned that General Howard was
<-loselv following the Indians. Manv of their actions were
thus accounted for. The soldiers kindly prepared supper
for us. I remember being nearly famished. Camp had been
made for the night, but was quickly abandoned, and arrange-
ments made for quick travel. We were mounted on good
horses, and the poor old ones, that had done us good service
notwithstanding their condition, were turned out to graze
to their hearts' content.

As we were about to move off, a man came hurrying down
the trail. He proved to be one of the Helena party and be-
lieved himself the only one alive of that party. He said they
were attacked at noon. Frank and I concluded that Poker
Joe knew what he was talking about when he told us to
travel all night. A horse was provided for this man, hurry
orders given, and we set out for the Springs, some seventeen
miles distant. This night, unlike the previous one-, was dark
and cloudy. We passed over some of the roughest mountain
trails near Gardiner that I ever remember traveling. Many
of the soldiers walked .and led their horses. Near midnight
we reached the Mammoth Hot Springs, tired out and stiff
from long riding, but truly thankful for our escape.

I found, as I anticipated, some acquaintances, and strang-
ers as well as friends did everything possible for our com-
fort. During the night two more members of the Helena
party came to the Springs. One man, Stewart,* badly
wounded. Two Englishmen with their guide wTere about to

*See page 164 Vol. Ill, "Contributions."— Ed.

REMINISCENCES OF PIONEER LIFE— MRS. G F. COWAN. 179

make the tour of the Park. One of these gentlemen was a
physician and kindly assisted in dressing the wounds. I am
sure he never found a time when his services were more ap-
preciated. A semi-weekly stage had been run to the Springs
that season. We were told that if we desired we could rest till
Wednesday and return to Bozeman on that stage. No one
thought of danger from the Indians at the Springs. A num-
ber of men were there. Yet on Wednesday, Dietrich of the
Helena party was killed by the Indians in the door of the
house we then occupied.*

On Monday, Mr. Calfee, a photographer, invited us to go to
Bozeman with him. He said he had a pair of wild mules and
a. big wagon, but if we wished, he would take us. We were
anxious to get home and very glad of so good an opportunity.
The Englishmen and their guide also decided to return to
Bozeman. Wonderland had lost its attractions- for the
nonce.

A somewhat amusing incident occurred on the down trip.
We had traveled only a few miles when the guide for the
Englishmen declared he had sighted Indians through his
field-glass in the direction of the trail over which we had
come the night previous. He was quite positive, although no
one else could see them. Finally he made a detour in that di-
rection. He was soon out of sight, but in a very few min-
utes we heard several shots fired in rapid succession. Pres-
ently the guide came dashing up to the wagon, declaring he
had been fired upon by the Indians, and as evidence exhibit
ing a stirrup with a bullet hole straight through the bottom
of it. The Englishmen, however, seemed skeptical. Finally
they examined the stirrup and asked him to explain why the
splinters all pointed down. It was apparent that the hole
could have been made only by removing his foot and firing
the shot himself. He subsided for the time, but he had cre-
ated a sensation for a few minutes at any rate.

A long day's ride brought us to the Bottler ranch on the

"See Chittenden's "The Yellowstone," page 123. — Ed.

ISO HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

Yellowstone. Mr. Calfee decided to remain here a day or so.
His photographic supplies were somewhat shaken, likewise
his passengers. We found excitement rife at this point, Chief
Joseph and his band were expected to raid every section of
Montana at the same moment apparently. The Crow In-
dians, whose reservation is just across the Yellowstone river,
extending miles up and down, took advantage of this fact,
and numerous horse stealing raids occurred, for which the
Nez Perces received the credit,

In the afternoon of the next day a friend drove out for us
from Bozeman, and we made twelve of the forty-mile drive
that evening-, remaining- at the Ferril home on Trail creek all
night, Thev received us kindly, and though their own family
was large, they made room for us. A sitting room was con-
verted into a bed-room, with camp beds made down for sev-
eral children. During the evening we gave them the details
of our encounter with the Indians. To them, Indian scares
were common. Living so close to the Crow reservation they
were always on the alert and never felt quite safe. The child-
ren listened with great interest, telling us afterward what
they would do, should they be captured. They knew where
to dig for camas root, and they would escape to the brash
and live on that.

We had only gotten settled for the night when a neighbor
came tapping at the door, telling us to get up quickly and
dress, as Indians were about. Such scrambling for clothes in
the dark. A light was not to be thought of. A regular mix-
up of children and clothes occurred, which the mother alone
could straighten out. The little folks seemed rather to enjoy
the excitement, Several shots were exchanged, but the In-
dians, who were undoubtedly Crows on a horse stealing raid,
as soon as they found themselves discovered, disappeared.
We retired again, but did not sleep much.

We drove to Bozeman next day. A few miles from the town
we met sevent}*- or eighty Crows, escorted by Lieutenant
Doane on their wTay to intercept the Nez Perces. They look-

REMINISCENCES OF PIONEER LIFE— MRS. G F. COWAN. 1S1

ed rather more dangerous than any we had yet met. After
reaching Bozeman, mv brother eventually went with this
party nearly to the Mammoth Hot Springs in his endeavor
to reach the point where Mr. Cowan was shot, but was com-
pelled to. return again to Bozeman without accomplishing
that result.

In the meantime I had reached nry father's home. Kind
friends and neighbors had kept the news of our capture from
my people until the day we reached home, then prepared
them for our coming, thus sparing them much of the sus-
pense. I reached there worn out with excitement and sorrow.
Years seemed to have passed over my head since I had left
my home a month previous.

From the time I learned of the close proximity of General
Howard's command to the Nez Perces at the time Mr. Cowan
was shot, I could not but entertain a faint hope that the
soldiers might have found mv husband alive. Yet, in review-
ing all of the circumstances, I could find little to base such
a hope upon. Still, as one after another of the party were
accounted for, all living, the thought would come. I be-
lieved I should know to a certainty when my brother return-
ed from his quest.

I had been at home a week, when one afternoon two ac-
quaintances drove to the house. My father not being in, I
went to the door. They would not come in, but talked a few
minutes on ordinary subjects. Then one of them handed me
a paper and said news had been received of Mr. Cowan, that
he was alive.

In the "Independent" extra I found this account:

182

flSTOrtlCWI, SnCIKTV Hi'' .MONTANA

COWAN ALIVE.

TV e is with General Howard's

Command.

Whereabouts toward.

CNDKNT |

Howard's eo
ith Howard an«i

&h and in the

Howard fourteen n this si

&e i.vke. i i

LANG&ORN&

S. W. Langhorne, now of Great Falls, was in 1877 a resident of Bozeman,
then a frontier town and the nearest point in telegraphic communication
with the outside world. He was among the first to receive the news of Mr.
Cowan s condition when found by Howard, and sent the dispatch shown in the
illustration.— Ed.)

REMINISCENCES OF PIONEER LIFE-MRS. G F. COWAN. 1SS

Some way the doorstep seemed conveniently near as a rest-
ing place just at that particular time. Presently they told
me the particulars. He was badly wounded, but would live ;
was with Howard's command, and would either be sent back
to Virginia City or brought the other way to Bozeman. For
the time being, this news was all sufficient. A day or two
passed. I learned nothing more. My brother Frank came,
but had the same news only that had been given me. The
hours began to drag. I decided to go to Helena with my
brother, as from that point telegraphic news could reach me
much sooner. After arriving at Helena however, a whole
week passed before a telegram came to me, stating that my
husband would be in Bozeman the following day.

I lost no time in going. At Bozeman, however, I found he
had given out at the Bottler ranch on the Yellowstone. A
double-seated carriage was procured for the trip, and once
again I found myself traversing the familiar and oft traveled
road. But this day the sun shone. My husband had notice
of my coming and was expecting me. I found him much
better than I dared anticipate, and insistant on setting out
for home without delay.

We arranged robes and blankets in the bed of the carriage.
With his back propped up against the back seat, he was made
quite comfortable. I occupied the back seat, Mr. Arnold and
the driver the front. Mr. Arnold, whose escape is elsewhere
noted, reached the Howard command and was among the
first to aid Mr. Cowan when that command found him, and
he had remained with and cared for him like a brother ever
since.

We stopped for a hand shake and congratulations at the
Ferril home on Trail creek. We had rather a spirited team
and made fair progress. Late in the afternoon we were at
a point seven miles from Bozeman in Rocky canyon. The
road bed was graded around a steep hillside for some dis-
tance. We could look down and see the tops of trees that
grew on the stream far below. Presently we experienced the

184 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

novel and very peculiar sensation of seeing our carriage rest
ing on those self same trees, wheels uppermost, ourselves a
huddled mass on the roadside. Merely a broken pole strap,
a lunge forward of the horses as the carriage ran up
against them. The buggy tongue caught, snapped and
threw the carriage completely over. Fortunately the seats
were not fastened and we were left, a bundle of seats, robes,
blankets and people on the hillside, shaken but not much
hurt. The carriage, from which the horses had freed them-
selves, made one more revolution as it went over and landed
as described. We were thankful to have left it at the first
tip.

Mr. Cowan was lifted to a more comfortable position by
the road-side. Not long after, a horseman leading a pack
animal came along. Our driver borrowed the horse, making
the trip to Fort Ellis and back in the shortest possible time
and returning with an ambulance. The seven miles seemed
long ones, and before we reached Bozeman Mr. Cowan was
almost exhausted, his wounds bleeding and needing atten-
tion. He was carried by careful hands to a room in the
hotel as soon as the crowd had thinned somewhat. Mr. Ar-
nold arranged to dress the wounds, and in order to do so
seated himself on the side of the bed, when lo, the additional
weight caused the whole inside of the bed to drop out and
down on the floor. This sudden and unexpected fall, in his>
enfeebled state, nearly finished him. A collapse followed,
from which he did not rally for some time.

A week passed before we were able to travel further. I
think the anxiety for my husband alone sustained me during
this trying time. As it was, my nerves were all awry. Had
I been morbidly inclined, I might have conceived the idea
that some avenging Nemesis was following in his foot-steps,
which nothing but the forfeit of his life would satisfy.

By the time we reached home Mr. Cowan was able to
hobble about on crutches. The winter passed however before
he was entirely well. A severe gunshot wound through the

REMINISCENCES OF PIONEER LIFE-MRS. G F. COWAN. 185

hip, a bullet hole in the thigh, a ball flattened on the fore-
head, and the head badly cut with rocks — few, indeed, are the
men who could have survived so severe an ordeal. Our
month of out-door life and a fine constitution, coupled with a
strong will power, worked a miracle almost.

Mr. Cowan's Story. — Recounted by His Wife.

After receiving the pistol shot in the head, some time must
have passed before he regained consciousness, as the sun was
just tipping the tree tops, proving that the afternoon was far
advanced. At the time of receiving the shot in the thigh he
supposed the bone broken, as he was unable to stand. By this
time, however, the numbness was gone, the blood had begun
to circulate, and he could move his foot.

The intolerable thirst that follows gunshot wounds im-
pelled him to try to reach water. Absolute quiet reigned.
Yet, as he raised himself by the branch of a fallen tree, an
Indian who had evidently been waiting for other Indians
observed the movement and immediately fired at him. The
ball passed through the point of the left hip, and he fell, fully
expecting the Indian to come up and complete the work.
Presently several Indians passed along the trail, and again
all was silence.

Some time passed before he again began the quest for wa-
ter, crawling on hands and knees, as he could not now stand.
He would go until exhausted and then rest in the branches
of some fallen pine tree. Not before noon of the next day did
he finally reach a stream of water, though he had crawled
parallel with it some miles without being aware of the fact
on account of the timber and dense undergrowth. He fairly
lay in the water, quenching his thirst. Then with hands and
teeth he tore his underwear into bandages and dressed his
wounds as best he could.

Even though the month was August the nights were cold
in this altitude, so that this was added to his other discom-
forts. He continued crawling, getting up on the hillside that
he might better watch the trail. Several times he heard and

186 HISTORICAL SOCIETX OF MONTANA

saw Indians passing, and one nigh.1 nearly came upon two
who were sleeping.

His idea was to reach the home camp in the Lower Basin,
believing he might be found more readily in that vicinity,
also that he would possibly find food and matches there. He
was four days and nights crawling the ten miles. Tuesday
he reached the camp and found a few matches, but nothing
to eat. A double handful of coffee was picked up, which he
contrived to pound up in a cloth, and an empty syrup can
answered very well to boil it in. Nearly half was lost by the
can's falling into the fire. Still, enough remained to
strengthen him considerablv.

In the afternoon of the next day two of Howard's scouts
found him and gave him food and blankets, placing him
where Howard's command would find him. The scouts were
taking rations to the Bannack Indians, who, with Fisher, were
scouting for Howard. They had passed Mr. Cowan the
day before and been seen by him, but of course he supposed
them Nez Perces. The scouts left him after building a tire
which came near being his undoing. A heavy wind in the
night caused it to get beyond his control, and a timber fire
resulted from which he had great difficulty in escaping. As
it was, hands and knees were burned in trying to crawl away.

Thursday brought to him Howard's command, also Arnold
and Oldham, of our party, the latter slightly wounded in the
face, and he was assured of the safety of his wife, her brother
and sister. His wounds were dressed, the bullet that had
flattened on his skull removed, and he was made as comfort-
able as circumstances would permit.

And then began the hard, wearisome travel. Over rough
new made roads he was carried bv the command where often-
times the wagon was let down the mountain side with ropes.
Over stumps and rocks and fallen timber they made their
way. From fever and the sloughing of the wTounds, he had
become so emaciated that Arnold, though himself a small
man, could easily lift him out of the wagon. The trip was

REMINISCENCES OF PIONEER LIFE— MRS. G F. COWAN. 187

indeed a hard one. It would seem that the determination to
live, come what would, alone brought him out alive, where
others with less will power would have succumbed.

Many years have passed since the events herein narrated
occurred, yet retrospection is all that is needed to bring them
to mind clear and distinct as events of yesterday — many
years, since which life has glided on and on, with scarce a
ripple beyond the every day sunshine and shadow that falls
to the lot of each and all of God's people.

The Historical Society appreciates Mrs. Cowan's act in overcoming her re-
luctance to recall the harrowing scenes of her life depicted by her in these
pages. Mrs. Cowan has always wished to think and speak of that trying time
as little as possible, and was only persuaded to write of it because convinced
that later generations should know what were the sufferings of the pioneer
men and women who built the State of Montana.

jJuncan McDonald, who was agency trader at Jocko during the Nez Perce
raid, and a relative of Chiefs White Bird and Looking Glass, wrote for the
Deer Lodge "New North-West" a series of interesting papers on the raid from
the Indians' standpoint. The accounts of Mrs. Cowan and Weikert are fully
corroborated by reference to the New North-West of February, 1879.— (Ed.)

188 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF MRS. JAMES

FERGUS.

BY MRS. S. C. GILPATRICK.

Pamelia Dillon was born in Panielia Township, near Wa<
tertown, Jefferson County, New York, on June 22nd, 1824.

Both branches of her father's and mother's families were
originally from New England and were pioneers in the state
of New York. Her mother Mahalah Bellows, was left an
orphan at an early age, and was adopted into the family of
General Jacob Brown, fulfilling a promise made to her father
who was an intimate friend. After marrying William Dil-
lon they lived in New York state some twenty years, where
several children were born to them. The eldest was named
Pamelia after Mrs. General Brown.

They moved to Henry County, Illinois, with horse trains in
the winter, a great undertaking in those days.

Pamelia Dillon was married to James Fergus at Moline,
Illinois, on March 16th, 1845, where he was engaged in the
foundry and machine business, afterwards carrying on the
same business at Bock Island. Mr. Fergus' health failing,
they sold out and moved to St. Anthony Falls, Minne-
sota, in 1854, soon moving to Little Falls, where Mr.
Fergus had bought a five-twelfth interest in the water
power and townsite there on the extreme frontier.
In 1864 Mrs. Fergus with her children, three girls
and one boy, in company with others braved the
then dangerous trip across the plains with ox teams, by way
of Omaha, and after four months of hardship and suffering
arrived in Alder Gulch on August 14th, where Mr. Furgus
was engaged in mining.

MR. A>"D

MRS. JAMES FERGUS, TAKEN IN 187!).

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF MRS. JAMES FERGUS. 1S9

In the Spring of 1865, she moved to Last Chance Gulch,
near where Helena now is, where Mr. Fergus was working
claims. Anxious to have more room and be more independ-
ent they moved to the Prickly Pear Valley, where they en-
gaged in dairying, stock raising and improving a large ranch.
Many old timers will recollect Mrs. Fergus7 butter, which was
always up to the standard, both in quality and weight. As
the valley settled up, and their stock increased they were
obliged to find more pasture. They bought what was known
as the Malcolm Clark ranch, in the Little Prickly Pear Can-
von, where Mr. Clark had been killed by Indians onlv a vear
or two before, and where they lived ten years, raising stock,
improving ranches, and keeping stage station and public
house, which many of our old timers will remember. Their
stock still increasing, they were again compelled to find new
pastures, and this time moved into the wilderness among the
Indians and buffalo, north of Fort Maginnis and the Judith
Mountains, where Mr. Fergus and his only son, Andrew, still
live.* After living there three months without seeing a white
woman, a man drove past with a covered wagon, camped at
the creek near by, and came to the house for milk for a baby.
Mrs. Fergus invited him to bring his wife to the house. Pres-
ently he came along with a full blooded squaw who could not
speak a word of English. Pamelia Dillon was the child of
pioneers. When she grew to womanhood she became at-
tached to and married James Fergus, another pioneer, (who
crossed the Mississippi and lived in what is now Iowa, be-
fore it was named), and from that time until her death aided
him in helping to build on the frontier settlements, villages,
towns and cities.

How little we realize, as sitting in our easy chairs now sur-
rounded by many comforts, what we owe to the pioneer
women who have lived and died on the frontiers of our coun-
try, as it has been developed from decade to decade. Always in
the front rank with a conquering spirit, they were only sub-

* Mr. Fergus died June 25, 1902.

190 HISTORICAL SOC1KTY OK MONTANA

dued by death. It is almost impossible to realize the dangers,
sufferings and privations of their lives, especially among the
Indians. But seeing and talking with them almost daily
while in Minnesota, Mrs. Fergus became familiar with their
habits, customs and characteristics, so that during the Sioux
massacre, when the frightened women and children flocked
into town, her courage and familiarity with the Indians help-
ed to soothe and quiet their fears. Here also was developed
another trait of her character, that of relieving the wants of
the poor, the distressed and the unfortunate. "Her home
was known to all the vagrant train, she chided their wander-
ings but relieved their pain."

Mrs. Fergus died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. S. C.
Gilpatrick, in Helena, on October 6th, 1886, after a lingering
illness, the effect of a cancer. W. F. Sanders, another old
timer, delivered an eloquent and appropriate address on the
occasion.

Her courage was great at all times, and some of the inci-
dents of her life may be told here.

In Little Falls, Minnesota, while a doctor was performing
a dangerous surgical operation, his assistant fainted. No
one else being willing to help him, he sent a messenger for
Mrs. Fergus, who had assisted him before, and she helped him
until the operation was completed. In Moline, Illinois, she
was called to assist a woman doctor (who had diplomas from
two medical colleges) in a case of childbirth. The doctor
fainted and she had both doctor and patient on her hands at
the same time.

Many incidents might be told where she came in contact
with roughs and Indians in Minnesota, on the plains, and in
Montana.

On one occasion, a war party of Crow Indians crossed the
Missouri river at Cascade, in pursuit of a party of Flatheads,
wiio they claimed had stolen some of their horses. The
weather was cold. They claimed that at Rock Creek, where
they stayed the night before they came to the Fergus ranch,

llliniHAl'HR'AL SKETCH OF MRS. JAMKS KKRdl'S. 191

they got nothing to eat but corn in the ear; so they were
hungry, cross and ugly and wanted their own way, but by
careful management and furnishing them such food as was to
be had, they left next day after staying about thirty-six hours,
in very good humor, and no one showed more tact, courage
or good management during this critical period, than Mrs.
Fergus, keeping them out of her kitchen and winning their
respect. There were sixteen of them, all tall and fine look-
ing Indians, well armed and mounted. At Rock Creek the
people sent to Fort Shaw for troops, who came after the In-
dians left. At the Fergus ranch they were better treated,
stayed longer and left in a better mood.

The memories of those pioneer women should be dearly
cherished. They are part of the history of our country.
Their lives are so intimatelv connected with each other that
it is difficult to portray one alone.

1E2

HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

PIONEER WOMEN OF GALLATIN COUNTY.

BY MRS MARTHA SKIDMORE.

Mrs. L. B. Lyman.
A pioneer woman who was closely identified with the early
settlement of Bozeman was Mrs. L. B. Lyman, whose maiden
name was Mary Elizabeth Hawkins. She was a native of Ver-
mont and was an only daughter of W. S. Hawkins, an attor-
ney-at-law of that place. In 1846, she accompanied her par-
ents to Wisconsin, settling in the town of Waukesha. Mrs.
Lyman was then about fifteen years of age, and at this place
she had most excellent opportunities for educational advant-
ages, the study of music, and also access to the choicest soci-
ety. She was married in September, 1858, to Lorenzo

PIONEER WOMEN OP GALLATIN COUNTY. 193

Branch Lyman, a law student who afterwards practiced law
with her father.

In April, 18G4, Mrs. Lyman started with her husband upon
the long journey to Montana. Mr. Lyman, from whom I
obtained the data for this manuscript, in speaking of the jour-
ney said, "We were about five months on the road, and all the
time though tired and weary herself from continual travel,
she was constantly doing her utmost to relieve the fatigue of
others and by her cheerful conversation and kind thoughtful
acts doing much to relieve the monotony of such mode of
travel, and when possible adding to the scant comfort of
others, always facing the dangers, whether of rough mountain
roads, or more dangerous raids from the wily and savage
Indians ( ample signs of whose nearness were at times all too
plainly seen), with rare courage and fortitude."

They reached the valley of the East Gallatin River in Sep-
tember, 1864, and pitched their tent with almost no neighbors
in sight. Mrs. Lyman's first caller was naturally enough,
a wild Indian, who, however, proved to be not unfriendly.
She offered him and his squaw some food of which they par-
took heartily, when with many signs denoting lasting friend-
ship, they mounted their ponies and rode away.

In about a month a small and decidedly rustic log cabin
was built, and that winter it was occupied by the Lymans as
their first home in Montana. That was the winter called the
"meat straight" winter, well remembered by all pioneers as
the winter of the flour famine. Before the next winter a
more commodious log house was completed with the uncom-
mon luxury of a board floor and equipped with a fireplace of
generous dimensions and other substantial pioneer log cabin
conveniences. They felt that much solid comfort and enjoy-
ment was in store. With great zest did Mrs. Lyman enter
into plans for the social enjoyment of the people of the valley
in giving merry dancing parties, for as yet no public hall had
been built. Upon these very enjoyable occasions there was
no lack of substantial refreshments served in the adjoining

1b. HISTORICAL SOCIKTY OF MONTANA

cabin, and young people I'rom all parts of the valley met here
and passed many a pheasant hour.

A frequent and welcome visitor of this early period of their
lives in Montana, was Mrs. Hosmer, wife of Chief Justice H.
L. Hosmer, of Virginia City, Montana, who was a very dear
friend of Mrs. Lyman, and the life of all social occasions when
present. She enjoyed the hunters' roasts of fat venison pre-
pared before Mrs. Lyman's ample fireplace with true pioneer
relish and her visits were looked forward to with pleasure.

Time and again came swift riding messengers sounding the
alarm of approaching hostile Indians, and at such times a
hurried gathering of a few most valued and necessary articles
was thrown into the farm wagon and all the family sped
away as quickly as possible to Bozeman for safety, this being
the meeting place of all for miles around, there to remain
until the danger for the time being had passed. Those were
trying times, of course, but no faint hearts were found among
that little band of pioneer women.

On the 28th of April, 1865, was here born to Mr. and Mrs.
Lyman a daughter named Sylvia Eoseffie and supposed to be
the first white child born in the Gallatin Valley. Another
child, a son, was born to them a few years after, while they
still resided. in this valley.

Late in 1868, accompanied by her husband and two little
children, Mrs. Lyman left Montana to visit friends in the
East, returning the following spring. In the meantime her
husband had been appointed by President Grant as Regis-
ter of Public Lands in Montana, and after a brief residence
at their home in the Gallatin Valley they left for Helena,
where Mr. Lyman was to enter upon the duties of his new
office. In that city, on the 16th of the following January,
1870, after a short illness Mrs. Lyman breathed her last at
the age of thirty-nine years, leaving a devoted husband and
two children, the little daughter of whom we spoke and H.
B. Lyman, now of Salt Lake City, Utah.

In speaking of her death that pioneer newspaper, the Hel-

PIONEER WOMEN OP GALLATIN COUNTY. 195

ena Herald, has this to say : "She was a lady of more than
ordinary intelligence, of rare womanly sensibilities and of
qualities of head and heart that endeared her to a large
circle of friends and acquaintances, respected and loved by
all."

The following- lines, expressive of her well known views
of life and of the change miscalled death, were read and
made the only text of the eloquent discourse given at her
funeral. They are from a poem published by Miss Lizzie Do-
ten in 1863 :

"I STILL, LIVE."

Oh Thou, whose love is changeless

Both now and evermore;

Source of all conscious being,

Thy goodness I adore.

Lord, I will ever praise thee

For all thy love can give,

But most of all, Oh Father,

I thank thee that I live.

I live! O ye who loved me!
Your faith was not in vain;
Back through the Shadowy valley
I come to you again.
Safe in the love that guides me,
With fearless feet I tread;
My home is with the Angels
O say not I am dead.

Not dead. O no, but lifted

Above all earthly strife;

Now first I know the meaning

And feel the power of life.

The power to rise unincumbered

By woe, or want, or care;

To breathe fresh inspirations

From r>ure, celestial ail .

To feel that all the tempests
Of human life have passed,
And that my ark, in safety, rests
Upon the Mount at last;
To send my soul's great longings
Like Noah's ^H»l^_ abroacT t^?2^»
--*.nd find them swift returning
With a sign of peace from God.

1% 1 I 1SI'. -KM 'A I . SOCIKTY OF MONTANA

To soar in fearless freedom

Through broad, blue, boundless skies,

And catch the radiant gleaming

Of lovelit angel eyes;

To feel the Father's presence

Around me. near and far.

And see his radiant glory

Stretch onward, star by star.

To feel those grand upliftings

That know not space or time,

To hear all discords ending

In harmony sublime;

To know that sin and error

Are dimly understood.

And that which man calls evil

Is undeveloped good.

To stand in spell-bound rapture
On some celestial height
And see God's glorious sunshine
Dispel the shades of night,
To feel that all creation
With love and joy is rife;
This, O my earthly loved ones ,
This is Eternal Life.

DAILY RECORD,-

.LET.

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R. MAILLET.

rt to Colonel W. F.
written in part by

i of Saint Denis,
f February, 1834.

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HISTORICAL SKKTCH OF LOUIS R. MAILLET.

197

HISTORICAL SKETCH OF LOUIS R. MAILLET,

(Written in the winter of 1890-91. Dictated in part to Colonel W. F.
Wheeler, Librarian, by Mr. Maillet, who was ill, and written in part by
Mr. Maillet.)

Louis E. Maillet was born in the parish of Saint Denis,
near Montreal, Canada, on the first day of February, 1834.

L. R. MAILLET.

His ancestry were natives of Lyons, France, from which
place his grandparents emigrated to America.

John Baptist Maillet, father of Louis, was a merchant.
He was implicated in the Canadian rebellion of 1837, and
escaped to Burlington, Vermont. The government offered
to pardon and reward him in return for information against

19S HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

his compatriots, but to his honor, he refused, and was able to
hand down to his posterity a name unsullied by treachery —
a name of which they are justly proud. He remained in
Burlington until, under a general pardon proclaimed by the
British government, he was able to return to Canada.

His property, though held liable to confiscation during
his exile, was for the most part restored to him, and this,
together with what he had acquired in the United States,
enabled him to spend the remainder of his days in comfort
and to extend liberal educational advantages to his children.

In 1838 he visited St. Louis, Mo., and after a stay of six
months, returned so deeply impressed with the possibilities
of the Great West that he determined to make St. Louis his
home. His wife .who was related to the Girouard family of
Canada, prominent as patrons of education, and many of
them noted as clergymen, clung with fondness to her home
environments, and was averse to the change proposed. In
deference to his wife's preferences, John Baptist Maillet
abandoned his new ambition, and died a British subject, in
the old home in the parish of Saint Denis, where he had
spent the greater part of his life.

The son, however, less tenaciously attached to the family
roof-tree, caught his father's inspiration and determined to
seek the land of promise in the great West. In August, 1849,
Louis B. Maillet, following the path marked out by his father
ten years before, set out for St. Louis. Accompanying him
were three young men, his friends, who wished to join him
in his quest for fortune. In St. Louis, Maillet found em-
ployment as clerk in a store, and going farther up the river
to St. Joseph, the following spring, he engaged in similar
work.

In 1851 he joined a trading expedition with Henry Mulky
and Richard Pearson. With three other men, who were
employed to assist, the party crossed the plains in the month
of July. About forty miles west of Fort Laramie, they found

HISTORICAL SKETCH OF LOUIS R. MAILLET. 199-

themselves surprised and surrounded by a small war party
of Craw Indians.

Pearson was an old plainsman, brave and determined. He
immediately corralled his wagons, placing the men and
horses inside the enclosure, and declared that they must
fight to the death, for, if taken, they would all be murdered.
He added that he would himself shoot down the first man
that flinched or showed cowardice. They were well fortified,
he said, and if every man did his duty they could not be
taken.

The Indians began riding around the corral of wagons in
a circle, yelling hideously and discharging their guns at the
party. After an hour or more of this performance, finding
they could not frighten nor wound any of the white men,
who fought unflinchingly, and as it was near sundown, 'the
Indians withdrew and were not again seen. This was Mail-
let's first experience in Indian warfare, and the whole party
was so elated over their escape that they lost all fear of meet-
ing the savages on anything approaching equal terms. Not
even a horse had been wounded in the encounter. That night
all stood guard, and in the morning the journey was re-
sumed.

The next night it fell to the lot of young Maillet to stand
guard alone. Not having slept for forty-eight hours, he was
almost overcome with fatigue, and in the middle of the night
found himself dozing while standing leaning on his gun. In
this condition he was suddenly aroused by a voice calling out
of the darkness. With a start he awoke fully and brought his
gun to his shoulder. "Don't shoot! I am a-white man," tin
voice cried out. This aroused the whole party. Pearson was
the first to leap from his tent, rifle in hand. He at once
recognized the voice as being that of a white man, and in
the explanations that followed, the man proved to be Colonel
Bernheisel, the first delegate to Congress from Utah.

From his account it appeared that the same party of Crows,
repulsed by Pearson's men had attacked the stage going east

200 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OP MONTANA

from Salt Lake City with passengers and mail. Meeting
with no resistance, the Indians robbed the coach and passen-
gers, taking the good horses from the stage and putting poor
ones in their places, and stripping the passengers of nearly
all their clothes. Colonel Bernheisel was denuded of every
article of clothing except his trousers and shoes. Hatless
and shirtless, his bald head fringed by scant gray Iocrs, and
the white skin of his partially uncovered body showing, he
made a more curious and undignified picture than ever yet
had found its way to the halls of Congress.

Pearson's party furnished the unfortunate man with new
clothing, and the stage driver and other passengers now hav-
ing discovered the camp and approached, the whole party
breakfasted together. The stage then resumed its journey
eastward, and Pearson's party went on towards Salt Lake,
where they arrived without further adventure.

Louis Maillet remained in Salt Lake City for about two
months, when Neil McArthur, a trader in charge of old
Fort Hall, one of the trading posts of the Hudson Bay Com-
pany, arrived at Salt Lake, in company with Richard and
John Grant, sons of old Captain Grant, formerly chief trader
of the Hudson Bay Company at Fort Hall and several other
posts. Becoming acquainted with young Maillet, he invited
him to accompany his party back to Fort Hall. As Maillet
had found very little work in Utah, he cheerfully accepted
this invitation. His first employment was herding horses,
but McArthur, who Avas an assiduous reader, soon dicover-
ed that the young man could speak and write the French
language fluently. Wishing to acquire a knowledge of
French, McArthur proffered Maillet a position in his office
and his home, where part of his duties consisted in giving his
employer lessons in that tongue.

As spring approached, McArthur was obliged to make a
trip to Fort Vancouver with the winter's collection of furs,
and to bring back the new year's supply of goods for the
post. Louis Maillet accompanied him on this trip. Every

HISTORICAL SKETCH OP LOUIS R. MAILLET. 201

mail of the party rode a horse, the furs being carried on
pack animals as far as the Dalles of the Columbia. From
this point the party proceeded down the Columbia with their
goods in canoes. Reaching the cascades, the canoes contain-
ing the bales of furs and skins were carried by the men
over a portage to the foot of the falls, a distance of about
a mile. Here they were put into boats and carried to Fort
Vancouver.

After several months of travel in Oregon, in July, Maillet
secured a position with Allan MacKinley & Co. as manager
of their trading house at the Dalles. That season, the winter
of 1852-53, is remembered as the severest ever known. The
Columbia, which was said never to freeze over, presented a
solid surface of ice for six weeks. More than three
hundred head of cattle were counted crossing on the
ice at one time, and Maillet saw seventy-five head frozen
to death in a bunch. The snow was four feet deep
on a level. Five thousand cattle, the property of emi-
grants, who had driven them across the plains from
the States, perished in the cold of this severe winter in the
Dalles, and many of the emigrants were ruined.

At this time the military post at the Dalles was called
Fort Drum, and the military reserve was ten miles square.
This was the head of navigation on the Columbia, and it was
recognized by many that a city of importance must grow up
at the Dalles. Accordingly, many petitions were sent to
Congress to reduce the size of the military reserve, and this
was done by a law passed by Congress. Maillet was the first
to hear of the act, and under the advice of the officer in
charge of Fort Drum, staked off a mile square of land, posted
his notices of location, and took up his residence on it. This
ground is now within the limits of the town of Dalles, and
is very valuable.

In the spring of 1853 McArthur came on his semi-annual
trip to Fort Vancouver, carrying furs from Fort Hall, and
met Maillet at the Dalles. He made the young man a tempt-

20a HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

ing offer to return with him, proposing to furnish the neces-
sary capital to go into the business of buying- up the broken
down cattle and horses of the emigrants, driving them to
winter quarters in the rich pastures of the Snake river and
the Bitter Root valley, and taking them when in good con-
dition to the settlements along the Columbia, where there
was an excellent market. Maillet knew that a residence on
his Dalles location for the time required to secure his title
would make his fortune, but McArthur's offer was too en-
ticing, and he gave up his position and abandoned his claim.

At Portland, he and McArthur bought a supply of goods
for the Indian trade from the Dalles back to Fort Hall. To
carry the supply they bought wagons and horses, also two
houndred horses in addition to trade with the Indians for furs,
skins, etc. Leaving the Dalles in June, they reached what was
called the Cay use country, on the Umatilla river. Here the
melting of the winter's snows and the consequent high water
in all the streams forced them to abandon their wagons.
Cutting these up and making pack saddles for the trans-
portation of their goods, they purchased more horses and pro-
ceeded on their journey, swimming the streams with the
pack saddles on their backs in order to keep them dry. They
lost part of their provisions and were forced to eat some of
their horses.

Accompanying them on this trip were Captain Breut, Q.
M., who had been ordered to proceed from Fort Vancouver
to Fort Hall to sell the government property there, as the
fort had been abandoned, and Earl Fitzwilliams, an English
nobleman traveling through the country for pleasure. These
proved agreeable companions, enduring hardships and fa-
tigue with the utmost cheerfulness. Captain Breut sold the
government property at Fort Hall to the Mormons for an
absurdly small figure, no other purchasers appearing.

On arriving at Fort Hall in July, McArthur and Maillet
found the larger part of the overland emigration had passed
on to California, and therefore they had but little chance to

HISTORICAL SKK/rcH OP LOUIS R. MAILLET. 203

buy cattle or horses in the way they had purposed, and th<\\
bought instead from the traders they met along the road.
Among these were Caleb Irvine, John Grant, Robert Demp-
sey and others. From these were purchased about two hun-
dred head of fine American cattle and fifty or sixty head of
excellent horses and mules, which soon grew fat on the rich
grasses of the Fort Hall bottom lands.

On the 9th of January, 1854, Maillet made a. trip to Ore-
gon with about forty head of his best horses and mules, where
there was a good market. At the same time McArthur went
with his semi-annual supply of furs to Fort Vancouver, ac-
companied by seven men, and carrying about sixty horses. On
the 11th of January, the weather suddenly became severely
cold, with snow, continuing so until March. The party
managed to push forward, however, until their horses gave
out and died and their provisions failed. On Snake river
they purchased a small supply of dried salmon from the In-
dians, and were reduced to but one fish a dav for rations.
Making snowshoes, they went ahead of the horses and broke
the road. When they finally came within sight of the Grand
Iionde valley, they had left but six horses, which were used
as pack animals to carry their blankets, etc. Here there was
no snow and the flowers were in bloom. The change seemed
like a glimpse of heaven. At one time during the trip they
had passed five days in the mountains without food, suffering
intensely from cold and hunger. Before reaching the valley
that spread green and blooming before them, they were
obliged to kill one of the six horses for food, which supplied
them for two days.

After leaving the Grand Ronde, the party crossed the Blue
Mountains and reached the Umatilla river, where they rested
for two days. Here McArthur and Maillet borrowed each a
good horse from an Indian chief. The chief sent an Indian
boy after the horses, which had been tied to some bushes to
keep them from eating grass during the night, thereby letting
their bellies fall and insuring better wind. Early the next

-04 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OK MONTANA

morning the two men breakfasted on dried meat and roots,
saddled their horses, and set out for the Dalles, a distance of
one hundred and twenty measured miles, reaching the end of
the journey that evening at 10 p. m. Here they met Angus
MacDonald of Fort Colville and many other friends. After a
two days' rest, they started for Fort Vancouver and Portland.
Remaining in Portland three weeks, they learned with much
disappointment that the Hudson Bay ship had foundered, and
as there were no Indian goods in Portland, Maillet started
back to the Dalles, McArthur remaining at Vancouver to
settle his affairs with the company.

At the Dalles, Maillet met Colonel Lander, a civil engineer
who had crossed the plains with Gov. I. I. Stevens (in 1853
first governor of Washington territory), the colonel being
desirious of crossing the plains by way of the old emigrant
road in order to make barometrical observations. (Colonel
Lander is entitled to the credit of being the first petitioner
for an overland railroad. In the Civil Avar he served as
brigadier general and was killed.)

Maillet joined the colonel; horses, saddles and camp out-
fit being purchased during the week's stay in the Dalles;
and with two other men they started back to Fort Hall, ar-
riving without misadventure. Two days later, Macarthur
readied home. Here Lander was taken sick, but after three
weeks' rest and nursing, was able to proceed on his way to
Washington City.

On reaching Fort Hall, Maillet learned that his fortunes
were even worse than he had supposed, for about forty cows
and several American mares had died during his absence.
Two weeks later he went to Salt Lake for flour, and gather-
ing together the remainder of his horses and cattle, he moved
to Soda Springs to spend the summer in order to escape
the nuisance of mosquitoes and horse flies, which fill the rest
of that country in summer. He spent the season here hunt-
ing and looking after his stock.

That fall he took his stock to Salmon river, a short distance

HISTORICAL, SKETCH OF LOUIS R. MAILLET. 205

above the spot where Lemhi was afterward built. During the
winter a Snake Indian came in from the neighborhood of
Boise, claiming that he had a hand in killing some emigrants,
and exhibiting the blonde scalp of a woman. At this the
blood of the white men rose, but as there were but six of them
in the party and there were many Indians, they were afraid
to kill the Indian boaster. They were determined, neverthe-
less, that he should not dance any more scalp dances with a
white woman's hair dangling from the end of a. stick, and
they persuaded a friendly Indian to commit the deed.

In February, (1855), Johnny Grant, Caleb E. Irvine, Mc-
Arthur, Robert Dempsey and Maillet returned to Fort Hall.
Spring had opened and the weather was fine. In April the
stock was moved to Ross's Fork, where they encountered a
severe snow storm, which, however, lasted but one day. A
portion of the following summer was spent on the. Port Neuf.
In July Maillet and Caleb Irvine visited Salt Lake to see
Judge Schaeffer, but found that the judge had just died.
Returning to Soda Springs, they went on to Fort Hall,
where Mc Arthur was encamped.

In the following spring a man named Henry Miller brought
his wife, a young Mormon girl, to Fort Hall. He had mar-
ried her two vears before at Ogden, and in some way had
incurred the enmity of her people, so that he was obliged to
flee from the land of Saints. During his absence his wife's
relations had brought every -influence to bear upon her to be-
come the spiritual wife of an old Mormon who already had
three wives. The young wife resisted, although she was told
that she should never see her husband again and that he
would be killed if he ever dared appear in Mormondom again.
Through the assistance of friends, Miller managed to cor-
respond with his wife, and in time she was enabled to effect
her escape and join her husband. At this time Dr. Lansdale,
Indian agent for the Flatheads and Pend d'Oreilles, was in
Salt Lake on business, and returning to the Jocko by way of
Fort Hall, was persuaded by Maillet to engage Miller and

806 HISTORICAL S0CIKTY OF MONTANA

his wife to go to the Jocko and keep house for him. Mrs.
Miller thus happened to become the first white woman resi-
dent of Montana. After living there a year, Miller and his
wife went to Walla Walla. This event happened in 1855.

In the fall of 1855, McArthur, who had resigned his posi-
tion with the Hudson's Bay Company the previous spring,
went to Salt Lake for supplies, Maillet remaining encamped
with their stock in Fort Hall bottom land. They had at the
time a large band of very fine blooded horses and one of fine
cows. When McArthur returned from Salt Lake, they moved
to the Bitter Root valley, and later wintered their stock on
the Jocko. The winter of 1855-56 was a fine and beautiful
one. Stock fattened and came out sleek in the spring. April,
1850 found McArthur and Maillet living at Willow Creek in
the Bitter Root, near Corvallis.

Leaving the stock in charge of Brooks, afterwards first
Justice of the Peace of Montana (then Washington terri-
tory), McArthur and Maillet started back to the emigrant
road in May, 1856, and finding Snake river too high to ford,
fashioned a boat of willow framework around which they
lashed the skins of two elk, killed for that purpose. In this
rude craft they crossed without accident. They traded all
summer with the emigrants and Mormons, returning late
in the fall to the Bitter Root, whence they concluded to move
to Hell Gate.

Selecting a place in Grass valley, which was afterwards
known as ColwelPs ranch, they employed a number of men,
who spent the winter chopping and hewing logs for the pur-
pose of building houses and stockades in which to protect
the horses during the summer months when the Blackfeet
were in the habit of making raids into the valleys and driv-
ing off their horses. F. H. Woody, who was a new comer,
spent that Avinter with them.

On New Year's Day, 1857, Maillet left Grant creek with a
party foi- Beaverhead, to trade with the Indians. During the
night all their provisions, consisting of dried meat, were

HISTORICAL SKETCH OP LOUIS R. MAILLET. 207

stolen by Kootenai dogs. Trusting to luck for a new supply,
Maillet went on and overtook Johnny Grant and C. E. Irvine
on Flint Creek. He informed them of the plight of his party,
consisting of a man named Jackson and two Indians besides
himself, and learned that they were in the same fix. The two
parties going on together, found a horse at the mouth of the
Little Blackfoot, which they killed and ate. Two days later,
camping on the bottom where Melrose is now situated, they
killed two antelope and feasted. The next day they reached
the confluence of the Beaverhead and Stinkingwater,* where
they found old Captain Grant living in a log cabin. Here
they enjoyed themselves, with plenty to eat and tobacco to
smoke, and did a good trading business with the Bannacks
and Snakes whom they found encamped there. Maillet found
game more plentiful in this valley than he had ever seen be-
fore in all his travels.

The dav before Maillet and Irvine left for the Bitter Boot,
Johnny Grant, whose camp was on Beaverhead creek, was in
his lodge making pack saddles, when the brother of one of his
Indian wives entered and struck him on the head with a
club, saying that his sister had been treated badly, and that
Grant loved his young Indian wife better than the old one.
Grant threw the Indian down and held him, whereupon some
squaws ran in, armed with knives, and would certainly have
killed him, had not Maillet intefered, knocking down two
of them and threatening the others with his pistol if they
did not leave. The trouble ended there, and Grant escaped.
That night, another brother-in-law, his young wife's brother,
arrived in camp. He was Tin-doy, who, Mr. Maillet says,
was the bravest Indian he ever saw. Tin-doy rated the In-
dians roundly and told them that if they ever caused any
more trouble he would take a club and knock their brains
out. The Indians feared him greatly, and peace was restored
in camp. Leaving next morning for the Bitter Boot, Maillet
and Irvine reached Port Owen after a trip of five days. At

♦Now Ruby.

208

HISTORICAL SOOIKTY OF MONTANA

this fort, in April of the preceding year, one of Mnillet's
mares dropped a sorrel colt, which at one year old was sold
to Robert Dempsey, and later to the Stuart brothers. It be-
came the famous traveller Brooks, making in one day the
distance between Virginia City and Deer Lodge without dis-
tress. This was the longest journey it ever carried its rider,
and it was never known how far it was able to go.

TEN DOi'.

Maillet spent the summer of 1857 in the Bitter Boot, part
of the time working on the .new Fort Owen. In November,
Hugh O'Xeil and a man named Ramsey came from Walla
Walla, on their way to Fort Bridger. They wished to reach
Colonel Johnson's command, but were ignorant of the way,
and moreover, were afraid of the Mormons, who looked upon
all Gentiles as their enemies and feared the mountain men
would induce the Indians to kill them and burn their prop-
erty. O'Neil and his party therefore engaged Maillet to guide

HISTORICAL SKETCH OF LOUIS R. MAILLET. 209

them to Bridger. Traveling up the Bitter Root to Ross's Hole,
they crossed the main range and proceeded up the west side of
Big Hole valley for twenty miles. Crossing once more the
main range to Salmon river, they came out near where Salmon
City now stands. A few miles farther up the river, O'Neil
and Ramsey concluded to remain in camp among the willows
and thick bushes, while Maillet went ahead to Lemhi to re-
connoitre and find out if the Mormons were hostile. Maillet,
astride a fine race horse, galloped to the fort and found the
gates of the stockade just being opened by a Mormon. Mail-
let rode in and was heartily welcomed and entertained with
the best meal the place afforded. Returning to camp, he
brought the party in, remaining at Lemhi one day.

The Mormons tried to induce Maillet to remain with them,
thinking he could quiet the Indians in case of an outbreak,
as he could speak fluently with the Indians in their tongue.
After leaving Lemhi the party traveled up the valley twenty
miles, crossing what was afterwards known as Grasshopper
creek (Bannack City). Proceeding to Little Beaverhead,
at the mouth of Blacktail Deer creek, the}' met John Jacobs,,
an old mountaineer, who had a letter for Maillet which had
been thirteen months on its way from his people in Canada.
It had been sent to the care of Livingston and Kincaid, mer-
chants of Salt Lake City, and from there carried by trappers
until it found its owner. Jacobs gave such a terrible ac-
count of the Mormon scouting parties that O'Neil and his
companions became discouraged and concluded not to go on.
At this place they learned that Jake Meeks, an old mountain-
eer, had just come in from the emigrant road in company
with James and Granville Stuart and Resin Anderson, three
Calif ornians. Maillet met the Stuart boys here for the first
time, and declares that the friendship which then sprang up
between them has lasted without a break, and that he hopes
the great hereafter will see them re-united and eternally
together.

O'Neil and Ramsey concluded to remain with Jacobs and

IflO rflSTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

hunt daring the winter, since game was plentiful, and Mail-
let went on down the Bea.verhead to Captain Grant's house,
where he found the old man badly crippled with inflamma-
tory rheumatism. The sick man grasped Maillet's haud and
said he would not let it go until he was promised that Maillet
would take him and his family and stock down among the
Flatheads. Ilis family consisted of his wife, two sons and
three daughters. He said that he was old and infirm, and
unable to do anything, that the Mormons hated him and he
had been warned that they intended to rob him. Maillet con-
sented to move him to a place of safety, and although it was
December, the goods, skins and furs were loaded on three
large Murphy wagons, and the horses and cattle gathered.
The only help they had were a Portuguese named Silver,
Antoine Poirier, who was a half breed, and Grant's son
James. The other son, John, had all he could attend to in
his own large herds of horses and cattle, and could not go
with the rest of the family at that time. These three men
drove the wagons, which were pulled by oxen, and Mrs.
Grant and her daughters drove the band of horses of about
one hundred head, the band of cattle, numbering two hun-
dred head, being driven by Indians.

The first day's drive brought the party to McCarty moun-
tain springs ; the second, to Big Hole river where the town of
Melrose now stands ; the third day, to Divide creek ; and from
there they made about ten miles a day until Gold creek
was reached. Captain Grant rode in a little spring
wagon, where he had a bed of robes and blankets,
Maillet driving and going ahead to look out the
road. The spring wagon and the horses driven by Mrs.
Grant and the girls could travel much faster than the ox
teams. They therefore would go into camp, and Maillet
would then mount a horse, meet the rest of the train and
escort it to camp. These wagons are the first that ever cross-
ed the Deer Lodge divide and passed down Hell Gate canyon.
They had to cross Hell Gate river twenty-three times, and

HISTORICAL SKETCH OF LOUIS R. MAILLET. 211

the crossings bad to be chopped, as they were very slippery
with melting snow. Many times the wagons were unloaded
in the middle of the stream, and altogether it was the hardest
trip Maillet ever made. The drivers were poor and unclad.
Cold, wet, disheartened, the language sometimes used would
have discouraged a salvation army.

On the day he reached the Big Blackfoot, Maillet met a
Catholic priest and two Indians going to Fort Benton. Mail-
let asked the good father what year they Avere in, and was
told that it was the eighth day of January, 1858. That day
they camped on Rattlesnake creek at the mouth of Hell Gate
canvon, ten miles from Maillet's home in Grass valley. In
this place of safety, they rested for two weeks, and expressed

themselves as not caring a d n for the Mormons. Once

more camp was raised, and after one whole week of the hard-
est work they succeeded in crossing the mountains through
the Koriaka defile and making camp on the charming Jocko.
Koriaka defile was named after a Kannakee employed by the
Hudson's Bay Company, who was killed there by Blackfeet
Indians many years before. At the mouth of the defile.
Baron O'Keife now has his castle and eminent domain. Mail-
let and part} then proceeded down the Jocko and took pos-
session of the abandoned old log houses built in 1855 bv
Doctor Lansdale for his agency. The weather all during this
trip was mild and pleasant. Otherwise, with their small
force and poor outfit, they never could have accomplished it.

Spring opened in February, and in March green grass
was good. In that month, Maillet went to Fort Coiville
(Hudson's Bay Company) on the Columbia. Michael Ogden's
Hudson's Bay Company party were on their way to the same
place and were joined by Maillet, They went down the Flat-
head river ten miles below the mouth of the Jocko, then cross-
ed the hills to norse Plains, and on to Thompson's Falls,
whence they found the country densely timbered and no
more prairie land.

From here Maillet went on to Fort Colville to meet McAr-

HIS I'. u:h'.\l. S< tCIKTI < iF Mi iNTANA

thur, liis partner, who had established a trading post there.
In the fall of L857 McArthur had traded one hundred head of
rows, which he drove from the range at Grass valley, ten miles
below the mouth of the Hell Gate river, to the chief trader of
the Hudson's Ray Company at Fort Colville, Mr. Blenkinsop.
His contract was to receive payment in goods at Fort Van-
couver, at cost, with freight from England added. The
amount paid him was fifty dollars per head, or $5,000 in full.
In this way his trading post was established at Fort Colville,
and the deal was considered a very fortunate one.

Maillet returned to Hell Gate with a band of horses in the
spring of 1858. McArthur had traded for these during the
winter. That summer Captain Grant moved down to Ham's
Fork of Green river, as the Mormon troubles were over and
he no longer feared them.

In July, 1S58, Major John Owen, Dr. Perkins of New York,
and Charles Frush* left the Dalles for Fort Owen in the
Bitter Root valley. They were captured by the Nez Perces,
but through the influence of Antoine Plante, a halfbreed who
kept a station at Spokane prairie, they were released and
arrived at Fort Owen without injury.

As McArthur had failed to come from Fort Colville to
Grass valley, as had been agreed, Maillet concluded to go to
the States and Canada to visit his family and relatives. On
the 17th of August, in company with Major Owen and Dr.
Perkins, with two Indians acting as guide and herder, he
left Fort Owen and reached Fort Benton after four days of
travel. On August 23d, the party was joined by Malcolm
Clark,** and letf Fort Benton with Major Vaughn, whom
they accompanied to the mouth of the Judith river, where
he was going to distribute to the Blackfoot Indians the annu-
ity goods which had arrived there. From the Judith, Maillet,
Dr. Perkins, a pilot, and four men for rowers, started for
St. Louis in the American Fur Company's express boat.

*Page 337, Volume 2, "Contributions to Historical Society."

** See page 80, Volume I, and page 255 Volume II. "Contributions."

HISTORICAL SKETCH OF LOUIS R. M.ULLET.

213

Game of all kinds — deer, elk, antelope, bear and buffalo —
were abundant, and they fared well in the matter of fresh
meat, arriving at Fort Union without accident. On that
day a Mexican named Peter Martin killed a white buffalo,
which were as rare as white blackbirds. Maillet offered $40
for the skin, but the owner refused to sell it. The party was

L ••»■

•r'jJIfct

BUFFALO

well entertained here at the Company's post, and warned
to beware of Sioux, who were in the habit of firing into the
boats of white men.

They met but one party of these, with whom Maillet and
the pilot, Paul Polloche, were able to communicate in the
sign language common to all Indians. The Sioux wanted to
know where the Blackfeet were, and were informed. They

214 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA.

were a war party on a horse-stealing expedition. Asking for
tobacco, they were given a long plug, and as the boat held
do goods, the party were permitted to pass on unmolested.
This occurred aboul half way between Ports Eodgkiss and
Berthold.** Game was still abundant, and in due time they
reached Fori Randall, where Maillet, for the first time, met
.Man hew Carroll, who was Ihen clerking for the sutler, Cap-
tain Todd. Below here, game was more scarce, and they kill-
ed a deer only occasionally. But they soon reached the wild
turkey country and had an abundance of their flesh.

They met with no particularly interesting adventures un-
til after passing Council Bluffs, when, in the night, they saw
a steamboat tied up to the shore. They boarded her, and
were informed by the watchman that the boat was bound
for St. Louis and would leave at daylight, as they could not
run down stream in the night time. Maillet's party placed
all their trappings on board the steamer and had their names
recorded by the clerk. When the men went up into the cabin,
the sight of the elegant furniture, bright lights,- and the smell
of good cigars and fine liquors struck Maillet, who had been
roughing it in the wilderness for nine years, as highly pleas-
ing novelties. But next morning, seeing white women hand-
somely clothed in the latest style of hoopskirt dresses, and
adorned with gay ribbons, the party was fairly bewildered
On October 3d, after a forty-five days' trip on the river from
Fort Benton, they reached St. Louis.

Maillet passed the winter with his father, mother and other
relatives in Canada in a very enjoyable way. In the spring
of L859«he reached Atchison, Mo., where he was to meet
Colonel Lander, but found that he had gone on with his party
of two hundred men and goods for the Green River Snake In-
dians. Buying a mule, Maillet overtook Lander at the cross-
ing of the South Platte, and traveled with him to Fort Lara-
amie. Lander engaged Maillet to act as interpreter with the
Snake Indians. Col. Lander mounted him and a man named

** Situated in what is now North Dakota.

HISTORICAL SKETCH OF LOUIS R. MAILLET. 215

William Reed on good horses, giving each a pack animal,
and sent them to bring the Indians over to his road so that
he could distribute to them the f 5,000 worth of goods granted
them by Congress for their good behavior and good will dur-
ing the time the Landers road was being built through their
country. These were the first goods they had ever had from
the government.

At the last, crossing of the Sweetwater, Maillet left Reed
and the horses with the station keeper, Henry Gilbert, (now
treasurer of Madison Co., Mont.), and got on the stage with
Slade, Division Agent, who was afterwards hanged by the
vigilantes of Montana for his exploits as a road agent. On
reaching Ham's Fork of Green river, he found Washakee and
his band of Snakes and delivered Colonel Lander's message,
whereupon the Indians moved up to the head of Green river
where Lander's road crossed it, and received the goods grant-
ed them by Congress. This was on the 2d day of July, 1859.

At this place Maillet left Lander, as he had performed
the service for which he was engaged. Returning to Ham's
Fork he took charge of 400 head of beef cattle for John
Grant, and carrying them to California, readily sold them
there.* Maillet then went by the steamer Oregon from San

♦After leaving- Colonel Lander's camp we headed back for Sweet Water
to Henry Gilbert's station. My companion, Thomas Pambrum, was taken
quite sick. Fortunately, as we thought, we came to a band of emigrants
who were encamped for the day to celebrate the Fourth of July. We no-
ticed as we rode into their camp that they had quite a lot of pies and other
good things cooked and cooking. The looks and savory odors of so many
good things had quite a beneficial effect on my sick companion, for he re-
marked, "I feel much better and as hungry as a wolf." I had the same
revenous appetite, for we had ridden forty miles that forenoon, besides hav-
ing had no breakfast. The day before, as it was to be the last day we were to
Le together, the commissary opened up his chest and brought forth several
black bottles, whose contents had the effect of rendering every body very
happy, and as this happiness lasted all night, we did not care for break-
fast on the morning of the Fourth.

I asked the emigrants if they would sell us something to eat. They flat-
ly refused and ordered us out of the camp. So we had to go, but we gave
a longing look and sniffed at the good things we were leaving behind. As

21«5 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

we rode past the camp I noticed an old fashioned yellow coach. I afterwards
knew the party by this same yellow coach. These people took us for horse
thieves at our first meeting.

That evening they overtook us between Raft river and Goose creek and
wanted to camp with vis, as they were afraid of the Indians. We let them.
In the morning they wanted to stay, but we told them they could not, and
reminded them of the way they had treated us.

At Soda Springs I came up with the Sheppard party. They had thirteen wagons
and the finest lot of horses and mules I had ever met during my travels.
In fact, their outfit was perfect. My mule had lost a snoe that day and 1
wanted to buy one from this party. They refused. They also refused to
let me have any supper. As I was taking four hundred head of cattle to Cali-
fornia, they of course out-traveled me.

Afterwards we came on the same party between Rock creek and Raft
river. Seven of them were massacred, two wounded and the wagons burned.
The survivors and others who had Joined them compelled me to go with
them three or four days, when I made my escape. We buried the seven
corpses in one grave, and took the wounded on in an ambulance.

I afterwards learned positively thai there were but sixteen Indians in that
massacre. There were thirteen white m^n, and each and every one had a fine
rifle and revolver.

As I found bad signs of Indians at Rock creek, I had the wagons corrall-
ed when the rest of my party came up, for I had gone on ahead when I
overtook the party. In the morning we were attacked. Fortunately the
ground was open. The Indians were upon higher ground, but we had the
advantage of our wagons from which to shoot between the spokes of the
wheels and at either end. Fearing the Indians would run off ouv cattle, I
told my men we would have to dislodge the Indians. I ordered them to load
their guns and that as soon as the indians fired, before they could reload,
we would run out of the corral as fast as we could and fire just before
they had a chance to reload. We did this, and it succeeded admirably.
■j.iiey took to their heels and escaped to the rocks.

Among our party was a young man who lived in California and who had
come east to get himself a wife. Me had married a young lady in Philadel-
phia, a very pretty girl, who did not seem to be more than sixteen years old.
When the attack began, the husband had made a place in his wagon between
sacks of flour, wherein he placed his wife. This same young man was one
of the first to run after the Indians. After they were dislodged, we turned
towards the wagons and there we met this dear little woman who had fol-
lowed us. Her husband chided her for leaving her place of security. Her tear-
ful reply was that she thought her husband would surely be killed, and if
he was, she wanted to die too. Every man in the outfit instantly fell in love
with her and would have died for her. As for myself, I am sure that I felt as
the others did, for I love her still.

We had one man killed, a Mr. Hall. One Indian was seen to fall, rise and

fall again. I do not know if he has risen since or not.

— L. R. MAILLET.

HISTORICAL SKETCH OF LOUIS R. MAILLET. 217

Francisco to Portland, thence by steamer to the Dalles, where
he found a flourishing little city of from two to three thous-
and people. He realized vividly that it was once all his own
and that he had acted unwisely in abandoning it for the
venture of his friend McArthur. At Walla Walla he bought
a horse, and accompanied by Ned Williamson, came on to
Hell Gate in Montana, where he found Captain Grant.

Since leaving Hell Gate in 1858 for St. Louis, Maillet
had received no mail, for none was carried in Montana. On
his return to Hell Gate he found that the Fraser river
excitement had drawn away his partner McArthur and
that their herd of stock, under charge of Brooks, had been
driven away from Grass valley. McArthur had taken all
the goods and stock from Colville to Fraser river. The
property when last valued by the two partners had amounted
to f 150,000, but Maillet now learned that his partner's bad
management, debts, and numerous undertakings had lost
everything. The last he ever heard of McArthur was a let-
ter from him, in which he said that he was broke, had a bad
horse, and was prospecting, "so farewell."

Maillet remained for several days at Captain Grant's
house. Johnny Grant had moved his stock from Ham's
Fork in the fall of 1859 to Little Blackfoot in Deer Lodge
valley. Here he had built two log houses and corrals. In
the spring of 1860 Grant returned to the emigrant road. In
October, Maillet left Captain Grant's and went to Little
Blackfoot, where he found Johnny had not yet got in from
the road. Johnny had left his large band of cattle and his
houses in charge of Joe Prudhomme, who was putting up
another hewn log house for Grant. Maillet went to work
and helped with the building of the house until Grant's ar-
rival. After ten days, Grant and families came in. He had
bought a small stock of goods on Green river, and a little
store was opened and Maillet placed in charge that same
fall.

Legris, a Canadian, Tom Campbell, Bostwick, and Pete

218

HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

Martin, a greaser, all married to Indian and halfbreed wo-
men, came from Fort Union and built houses on the Little
Blackfoot, across from Grant's houses, so that quite a set-
tlement was started. The Stuart boys. Resin Anderson, Tom
Adams, John Powell, James Meininger and Frank Good-
win all settled at American Fork, now known as Gold creek.
Thomas Laval ta, a Mexican, built himself a house on Ootton-

OLD STORE AT HELL GATE, 11UILT IN 18BO,

wood creek, about one mile above the present city of Deer
Lodge. Louis Demers, Dave Contois, Leon Quesnelle, and
Deschenau came the following year and built the first houses
where the town of Deer Lodge now stands. As there were
so many people in the vicinity, dancing was proposed as a
winter amusement. The women from Fort Union could
dance, and soon there were dancers enough among them to
form two cotillion sets. Maillet says he enjoyed this winter
of 1860-G1 better than any other winter he ever spent in the
mountains, and everyone else seemed to find it equally pleas-
ant.

HISTORICAL SKETCH OF LOUIS R. MAILLET. 219

In March, 1861, Maillet, Resin Anderson and Frank L.
Word en,* of the firm of Worden and Higgins, who had come
from Walla Walla during- the summer of 1860 and establish-
ed a trading house at old Hell Gate, left Grant's house for
Fort Benton on their way to the States. After reaching
Benton, the party became the guests of Andrew Dawson,
who was in charge of Fort Benton, and were enter-
tained for several days, or until March 25, when the
river was considered free enough of ice for the pass-
age of a boat. They made arrangements to go to
St. Louis on board Mr. Dawson's boat, the whole party con-
sisting of Mr. Dawson, eight rowers, two steersmen, one
cook, Maillet, Worden and Anderson. Before reaching Milk
river the boat was laid up several times owing to the ice in
the river, but after passing Milk river the channel became
clear and the boat was run night and da}*. There was a
sheet iron stove aboard for cooking purposes.

At Fort Union, Malcolm Clark and Mr. Riter were added
to the party. The boat was canopied with lodge skins
stretched on willow boughs, somewhat in the style of an emi-
grant wagon. The party Avas rather crowded, but the stove
kept them warm and comfortable, although snow squalls
and rain were frequent. After twenty-two days they reached
Council Bluffs in safety, and without any encounter with
Indians. Here they heard that trouble in the South was
brewing, and rumors of war were afloat. As buffalo and
other game were plentiful they fared well.

At Council Bluffs, they left the boat and traveled by stage-
coach to St. Joe, Mo., whence they proceeded by rail to St.
Louis. Worden and Maillet remained in St. Louis several
days buying goods. Worden shipped his goods on the steam-
er Chippewa, and Maillet shipped a portion of his, sending
the rest to St. Joe, where after buying cattle and wagons,
the goods were loaded and taken by Maillet across the Mis-
souri. Making camp five miles back of the little town of

*See Biography, page 362, Volume II, "Contributions."

HISTORICAL, SOCIETY OF MONTANA

Ellsworth, yokes, an extra wagon, tongues and coupling
poles were prepared in case of need.

At St. Joe things began to assume a threatening aspect.
Sumpter had been fired upon and Captain Lyons had en-
gaged in a scrimmage in the streets of St. Louis. Maillet
felt anxious to get beyond danger, and everything was hur-
ried for a speedy departure. Near his camp was another
occupied by Kobert Peltier and wife, Gus Peltier and wife,
a man named Meininger, brother-in-law of the Peltiers, and
their old mother. This party, also, was bound for Hell Gate,
and after comparing notes, they all agreed to travel to-
gether, and were joined by a trader of Green river named
Mose Perry. .The train consisted of eight wagons and one
two-horse carriage. Among Maillet's men was H. A. Milot,
now living at Dearborn Crossing on the old stage road to
Benton. The trip was made to Ham's Fork without any re-
markable adventures. Here Mose Perry remained, the rest
proceeding comfortably to Snake river, where they found the
waters too high for fording. It was August, and the river
was falling fast. The party waited, hunting a ford every
day. After a week's delay a place was found which they
could cross by blocking up the wagon beds.

All the wagons crossed in safety except that of Pete Mein-
inger. He was riding an American mare and driving his
wagon, which was hauled by four yoke of oxen and carried
his wife and little two-year-old son, also Robert Peltier's wife.
Meininger got too far away from his oxen and allowed his
mare to get into deep water. Not knowing how to handle a
swimming horse, he pulled the bridle, which caused the mare
to rear. He lost his seat and was struck by the mare in her
struggles, drowning before help could reach him. The oxen,
instead of following the bar, having now no driver, took a
straight shoot across and got into deep water. The bed of
the wagon was washed from the running gears and floated
down until it was grounded on a bar in the middle of the river.
The water was so deep here that the women in the wagon

HISTORICAL SKETCH OF LOUIS R. MAILLET. 22]

were immersed up to their necks. The wagon was laden
with carpenter tools and the crockery of three families, which
caused it to sink and ground on the bar. Maillet, in endeav-
oring to ride to poor Pete's assistance, struck the spirited ani-
mal he was rding, causing it to jump into a. hole of deep
water. The animal had its ears filled with water and be-
came crazed. Maillet was washed in front of the struggling
creature and was struck on the shoulder. Diving in order to
get away from the plunging hoofs, Maillet swam with the cur-
rent and gained the shore, but was so exhausted that he could
not speak. Looking back, he saw the blanched faces of the
women in the wagon bed. Motioning them to remain where
they were, he pulled off his shirt and trousers and swam out
to them, rescuing first one and then the other. An Indian
came to his aid and brought the child ashore. All this time
three good swimmers stood on the bank, seemingly, paralyzed
with fear.

After spending two days looking for Meininger's body,
without success, they raised camp and traveled at good speed,
everything going smoothly until the third day of September,
1861. The party had camped along the Big Hole river about
three miles north of the present site of Melrose. The day
was fine and bright and the party was moving comfortably
along, when after crossing Moose creek, they encountered the
advance riders of seventy lodges of Nez Perces. By the
time the train had reached the bottom near AVunderlieh's
present ranch, the main body of Indians had been met. Mail-
let gave orders to his drivers to push their cattle1 and make
good time. When the train had gone on about a mile, or
somewhere in the vicinity of the present Forest ranch, cries
and veils were heard. Looking back, some ten Indians were
seen running their horses at full speed. From their manner
of riding, Maillet thought they must be drunk or that they
were trying to frighten the white people. His first suspicion
proved correct. They had obtained liquor from someone in
Big Hole valley.

HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

Surrounding and stopping the train, two young bucks got
off their horses and jumped into the last wagon, where, at
sight of a ten gallon keg, they yelled and called their com-
panions. This movement allowed all the wagons to proceed
with the exception of the one containing the keg. The In-
dians undertook to turn the cattle and tip over the wagon,
but the driver, a young Canadian named Napoleon Bonenfant,
displayed such coolness and presence of mind, and managed
his oxen so well and quickly that the wagon was not over-
turned. Biding up to the oxen, the Indians stabbed them
with their knives, and one of them stuck his knife into the
shoulder of Napoleon, making, fortunately, but a slight flesh
wound.

Maillet had remained with the wagon, and he told Napoleon
not to attempt to drive on, but to watch his team and prevent
their breaking the wagon. In this way the party ahead could
gain time, for Maillet feared the red devils might take it into
their heads to outrage the women. As Maillet could talk
a little Nez Perce, he thought he could pacify them. More-
over he knew many of these Indians. Finally, having thrown
everything out of the wagon, including the ten-gallon keg,
they all gathered around the keg, one of them straddling it,
patting it, and singing joyfully over the lucky find.

At last they began to fight over it, and during the brawl
Napoleon drove off. They got tin cups, and pulling a plug
out of the keg, tipped it up, when, lo and behold ! a cucumber
came tumbling out. It proved to be a keg of pickles. The
look of disgust and the exclamations, "Ugh!" of sad disap-
pointment as they saw the pickles, caused Maillet to laugh
heartily. At this, Little Wolf, who was the leader, a very
mean Indian, whom Maillet knew well, came up to him and
asked him why he went to the white people's country and
brought back white women. If this went on, he said, the
country would soon be peopled with whites, the same as the
Walla Walla country. "You are no good," he told Maillet,
"You live in Indian country but you love white people best.
I am going to kill you."

HISTORIC Ah SKETCH OF LOUIS R. MAILLET. 223

At this Maillet told Mm that he was a coward to talk of
killing- a man who was alone, when their party numbered
some five hundred. He told the Indian that in 1856 he had
persuaded the Bannacks not to kill an old Nez Perce whom
they had found looking' for lost horses, telling them that
there was little glory for a lot of men in killing one poor old
man, and the Nez Perce was spared. "If you have now the
heart to shoot me," said Maillet to Little Wolf, "do so."
And he bared his breast. The Indian raised his gun and
fired, but fortunatey an Indian standing near struck up the
gun, thereby saving Maillet's life.

After this the Indians left, with the exception of four, who
took Maillet prisoner, made him mount his mare and started
with him to their camp to try him for bringing white women
into the country. The mare was a race animal which Mail-
let had taken charge of at Ham's Fork to deliver to someone
at Deer Lodge. She had been tied behind one of the wagons,
and this happened to be the first day Maillet had ridden her.
Little Wolf had passed the bridle reins over her head and was
leading her, and an Indian walked on either side of Maillet,
holding his arms. The only weapon he had was a long butcher
knife in a sheath fastened to his belt, and he was watching
his chance. After traveling quite a distance in this fashion,
the Indian on his right released his arm and rode off. Quick
as thought he pulled out his knife, thrust the Indian on his
left in the shoulder, and striking over the mare's head, cut
the bridle reins held by Little Wolf. Then slapping the mare
on the side of the head, which caused the noble animal to
wheel suddenly around, he stuck his spurs into her sides, and
she fairy sped over the ground in the direction of the train.
In a few minutes he had distanced his pursuers.

Overtaking the train between Divide Neck and Little Deer
Lodge, he found old Mrs. Peltier saying her beads and pray-
ing for the welfare of his soul, which they thought had de-
parted. Napoleon had made good time and was with the
others. They made about thirty miles that day.

284 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

( >n September 4th the weather was fine, and after going
about twenty-four miles they camped on Race Track. From
Johnny Grant and John Powell, who had joined them that
day, Maillet learned that the steamer Chippewa, on which
he and Worden had shipped their goods, had been burned
with her entire cargo.* He learned, also, that Worden had
reached home and gone to Walla. Walla for goods. They re-
mained all the next day at this camp, enjoying the society
of friends. The following day it rained a little in the fore-
noon and they made twenty miles, reaching the Little Black-
foot, which was to be Maillet's home. The Peltier family
went on to Hell Gate.

Maillet immediately set to work to build houses and opened
a store. In February, 1862, he went to Fort Owens with a
pack train. Although there was but little snow in Deer
Lodge valley, from Gold creek on down the canyon the snow
became deeper. After three days' travel, with little or noth-
ing for the animals to eat, they reached Hell Gate, where they
found the snoAV very deep. During this winter most of the
stock in Hell Gate, Bitter Root valley, and about French
Town died from starvation.

Shortly after Maillet's arrival at Hell Gate the first wed-
ding between white people took place, the couple being George
White and the widow Meininger,* whose husband's death, as
related, had occurred the preceding August. Everyone was
interested in the event, but they had very little with which
to prepare a wedding supper. The year before, old Captain
Grant had moved back from Ham's Fork and built a house
on Grant creek. He had brought a few chickens from Salt
Lake and had raised a number of young ones. During the
winter the Grant family had gone to Walla Walla* leaving
a man in charge of their premises, with particular instruc-
tions to look well after the poultry and not to kill, sell or give
any away for anv consideration whatsoever. A council was

* Page 280, Volume I. "Contributions to Historical Society.
*Page 80S, Volume I. "Contributions." See footnote.

->*;

II II || II li if j tl ii

-.--- •-,-«

OLD JOHNNIE GRANT'S PLACE.

HISTORICAL SKETCH OF LOUIS R. MAILLET. 225

held and plots made to get some of these chickens for the wed-
ding feast. The result was that Frank H. Woody and A. S.
Blake (now of Curlew mine fame) volunteered to go three
miles through deep snow and forage the ranch. They came
back the next day with a bag full of chickens. How they
got them was never fully known, but it leaked out that Woody
had talked the man so nearly to death that the matter became
easy.

The supper was cooked. Captain Higgins had Justice
Brooks out in the corral for a whole afternoon rehearsing
the marriage ceremony, and in short the wedding took place.
Everybody got drunk and just before supper Blake stole the
wedding cake. After a short dance the happy couple retired,
the men all wishing there were brides enough to go round.

Winter still hung on and as there was no sign of a break-
ing up, P. C. Worden, Young Cassette and Maillet made snow-
shoes, and with blankets strapped on their backs, started on
the 13th day of March for the Little Blackfoot. Captain
Mullan at that time had his outfit up the canyon building his
road. After four days' travel the party reached Robert
Dempsey's house, the place now occupied by William Wal-
lace. Here the party secured horses from Dempsey, who
took them to Gold creek. From here the Stuart boys ac-
companied them to Little Blackfoot, and shortly afterward
Fred Burr took Worden to Benton. In Deer Lodge valley
no stock died, as there was but little snow in the valley.
Grant and Maillet concluded to move their houses up to Cot-
tonwood, and they built where Con Kohrs now lives. In May
the Blackfeet came down and stole sixty head of horses from
Grant's band. They were followed and overtaken near Bird
Tail rock, where they abandoned all but seven head, the best
runners in the country, which they succeeded in getting away
with.

In June Maillet went with his cattle to Elk City to market
them. Spending the summer there, he returned in company
with Mr. Mellen to Deer Lodge. During his absence quite

286 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OP MONTANA

an immigration had come to the country. The Stuart boys
ay ere mining on Gold creek, and mines had been found on
( ! rasshopper gulch, Bannack. One day Maillet and Thibault
in coming from Hell Gate to Deer Lodge were accosted by two
men who suddenly rode out of a ravine, between the mouth
of Bear and the foot of Flint creek hills, and covered them
with two double barrelled shotguns. The men proved to be
Henry Plnmmer aud Charles Reeves. As soon as they rec-
ognized Maillet they lowered their guns and laughed, saying
it was a good joke. These men, on a former occasion, after
having killed a man in Orofino gulch during the summer,
escaped and overtook Maillet and Mellen coming from Elk
City. As they were strangers, Maillet had given them in-
structions about the country around Deer Lodge. This was
probably the reason for passing the hold-up off as a joke.
Plummer was afterward hung by the vigilantes in Bannack.
This experience of Maillet's was the first attempt at high-
way robbery in this country.

Maillet traded all winter between Deer Lodge and Ban-
nack. In 1863 he ran a freight train between Milk river and
Deer Lodge. In the fall he went to Salt Lake and bought a
cargo of flour which he disposed of in Virginia City. In
February, 1864, he went to the States by overland stage to St.
Joe, thence to Canada, where he spent the winter with his
people. In May, he came back to St. Louis and St. Joe,
where he outfitted an ox train of merchandise, bound for
Virginia City. While in St. Joe he met Major Forbis, who
was anxious to leave the States on account of the war. The
Major thought of going to Oregon, but was given such glow-
ing accounts of this country by Maillet that he changed his
mind and came to Virginia City.

In the winter of '64 Maillet had a station at the hump be-
tween Silver Bow and German Gulch. In 1865 he mined
and sold goods in French gulch. In '66 he kept the Deer
Lodcre hotel. In '67 and yQ8 he clerked for Dance and Stuart.
In '69 he spent the winter in Cable City. In '70 and '71 he

HISTORICAL, SKETCH OF LOUIS R. MAILLET. 227

engaged in business with Lee W. Foster in German Gulch.
In '72, '73, and '74 he sold goods in Stevensville, Bitter Root
valley. In '73 he was elected joint councilman for Missoula
and Deer Lodge counties, the Republicans in Missoula mak-
ing no nomination against him. In fact he was also on the
Republican ticket.* (In 1865 Governor Edgerton had ap-
pointed him as Commissioner for Deer Lodge County, but
he declined the appointment with thanks.) The fall of 1874
closed his business in Stevensville and he went home, called
by the sickness of his mother, who died January 7th, 1875.
His father had died in February, 1866.

On the 15th day of April, 1S75, Maillet was married to Hen-
riette, daughter of John Levitre, the marriage ceremony tak-
ing place in the chapel of the convent of the Congregation
of Notre Dame in St. Denis, Canada. Permission had been
granted as a very special favor by his Lordship Bishop La
Rocque, for weddings are not permitted in convents. The
couple spent the years 1875 and 1876 in traveling in Canada,
the maritime provinces and eastern States. Their first
child, Louis Henry, was born March 22, 1876, in Shediac
N. B.

In the fall of 1876 Maillet, wife and boy returned to Mon-
tana, where he bought a grist mill at Burnt Fork. April
8th, 1877, Herbert Albinus was born on Burnt Fork in the
Bitter Root valley. During the passage of the Nez Perces
under Chief Joseph they were frightened away from their
home on Burnt Fork. On March 9th, 1878, the third son,
Claudie, was born in their home on Burnt Fork, where they
had returned. Maillet was running the mill, farming, and
raising hogs. In 1879 he sold his mill and took his family
East. Returning in the fall, they spent the winter in Deer

Mr. Maillet proved a useful meml|i- of the Council. Among the measures
he advocated were a Joint Memorial to Congress asking extension of time for
payment for public lands in the Bitter Rool valley; an act to change bound-
aries of Missoula County; asking protection for citizens of Deer Lodge and
Missoula Counties (Indian affairs); an application for building a road in Mis-
soula County; and a bill authorizing the Territorial Auditor and Treasurer to
publish yearly reports.— (Ed.)

IIISTOKICAI. SOCIKTY ( >P Mi iXTANA

Lodge. In the spring of 1880 he worked for Davis, Hauser
and Stuart, buying and driving1 cattle to their range on Mus-
selshell.

In the fall of 1880 Maillet moved to Butte, where he ac-
cepted a. situation with Lee W. Foster & Co. In 1883 he was
elected assessor of Silver Bow county. The same fall he
bought out the grocery firm of Marchesseau and Valiton, con-
tinuing the business for six years, and selling out at the end
of that time to L. W. Foster.

In 1885, on December 10, May Eugenia Stella, a daughter,
was born. Mrs. Maillet died in Butte, November 24, 1889.
Taking his chidren East in February, 1S90, he placed them m
houses of education and returned to Butte in May, 1890.

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OP W. H. PARKISON.

229

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF W. H. PARKISON,

One of Montana's Pioneers.

I was born on the ninth of February, 1814, at Parkison's
Ferry, Washington County, Western Pennsylvania, on what
was then called the Glade Pike road from Baltimore to

W. H. PARKISON,

Wheeling. My father before me was born at the same place,
my mother at Powhatan Court House, Virginia.

Parkison Ferry was where the whiskey insurrection origi-
nated in 1792, during Washington's administration. Wash-
ington ordered General Wilkison with ten thousand militia
to the scene of the trouble in 1794. When he arrived at the

230 HISTORICAL, SOCIETY OF MONTANA

disturbance the rebels laid down their arms. A number of
the leaders and distillers left the Monongahela and went to
Kentucky. There they dropped their favorite brand of Mo-
nongahela whisky and substituted the name of "Old Bourbon
Whiskey," which carries the red and blue ribbon to this day
among imbibers.

My grandfather was a volunteer under Washington. After
peace was declared he settled in what is now called Mononga-
hela City. Afterwards my grandfather started in a flat boat
with six men to deliver a load of flour at Louisville. They
ran aground on a bar just above the Big Sandy on the Vir-
ginia side. They were then taken prisoners by the Indians
and required to run the gauntlet. Being a large, powerful
man, my grandfather was the only one of the seven that suc-
ceeded in getting through alive. He wras then set at liberty.
My father was a sutler under General Harrison. My uncle
was a major under Harrison.

After the death of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams (on
the 4th of July, 1826), the news was received of their demise
on July 20th. The citizens of our little town and surround-
ing country met at my grandfather's house and decided to
have a memorial funeral in honor of the illustrious dead.
They reassembled on the 21st with two empty coffins to march
to the place of burial. They formed a procession with fife
and muffled drum-heading. I was one of that procession.
At the depositing of the coffin I saw old, feeble men shed tears
for the love they felt for the dead.

In 1827, standing on the banks of the Monongahela at my
house, I saw the first steamboat that ever passed up that river
above Pittsburgh. My grandfather died along about 1S35,
being then 108 years old. My grandmother died at the age of
!»7. In 1828 we moved to Pittsburgh. In 1832 I began steam-
boating on the steamboat "Statesman," commanded by Capt.
Win. Forsythe. We took in cargo for Cincinnati, being the
first year of the cholera in the United States. Our first land-
ing was Wheeling, Virginia. The cholera being so bad, we

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF W. H. PARKISON. 231

could find no person who would come to the river to receive
the freight, and such was the case at the majority of the land-
ings between Pittsburgh and Maysville, Kentucky, that place
being most completely deserted. The freight was left on the
levee with no person to receive it. Proceeding on our voy-
age from there to Cincinnati, our place of destination, we dis-
charged our cargo and returned to Pittsburgh. I remained
boating on the Ohio River a few vears and then began boat-
ing from Cincinnati to Louisville and New Orleans. After
running here for some time I changed and commenced steam-
boating from St. Louis to New Orleans. In 1838 I shipped
on the steamboat Albert Gallatin from Vicksburg up the
Yazoo river, in the cotton trade. In January, 1839, we left
New Orleans by the Plaquemine and Vermilion bay and Gulf
of Mexico for the Sabine river, the dividing line between
Louisiana and Texas, remaining there until spring. . Leaving
Sabine town bv land for Nachitoche on Red river, I there
took a boat for New Orleans. We arrived at the Mississippi
the day of the first cyclone at Natchez, which destroyed four
or five steamboats, many houses and lives. Remaining in
New Orleans a short time, I left for St. Louis and from there
began steamboating on the Missouri river until 1842. My
brother and I left St. Louis by the steamer Col. Woods for
New Orleans, and began running from New Orleans, Bayou
Teche to St. Martinsoll. In December we left New Orleans
for Galveston via Vermilion bay and Gulf of Mexico. Arriv-
ing at Galveston we began steamboating to Houston. At
this time Sam Houston was President of Texas. In the
spring we returned to St. Louis on the same boat, bringing
with us a six-pounder cannon supposed to have belonged to
the pirate La Fitte. Out of the crew of fifty there were now
only my brother and myself remaining alive. I again began
steamboating on the Missouri, remaining until the Mexican
war broke out, transporting volunteers from St. Louis and
way points until the end of the war, then bringing the return-
ing volunteers to their places of destination on the Missis-

232 HISTORICAL Sm'IKTY OF MONTANA

sippi. 1 again went back to the Missouri river. In 1852 I
came up the river for the American Fur Company. We had
as passengers < Jolonel Vaughn, the first Indian agent appoint-
ed for the upper Missouri Indians, and Dr. Hayden and
party, instructed by the department to explore the Black
Hills country, and furnished with horses, hunters and guides
necessary for the trip.

Leaving there, Ave proceeded on our way to Ft. Union. At
Old Ft. Clark, the Indians, being apprised of the arrival of
their first agent, insisted on Colonel Vaughn's going on the
hill to the fort. They then took him up to the post, disrob-
ed him, and dressed him in Indian garb. There the entire
Indian band gathered to greet the "Great Father," placing
him on a diminutive pony (without saddle or bridle), with
an Indian on each side to lead him down to the boat. We
were there shown some gold quartz, represented to have come
from Cannon Ball river. In my judgment it was a fine speci-
men. We were requested by John B. Sarpy, who was one of
the members and the business manager of the American Fur
Company, to say nothing in regard to the gold, as he was
afraid it would cause an emigration and destroy the fur
trade.

Arriving at St. Louis, I remained on the Missouri. In
1853 I was again employed by the American Fur Company to
make another trip up the Missouri river on the steamboat
Robert Campbell. We left St. Louis in June. We had as
passengers a party of West Point graduates under the com-
mand of Lewis Donaldson, who was a son of the adopted son
of Anderson Johnson. Their destination was Fort Benton,
where thev were to meet Governor Stevens, who was there en
route from St. Paul, with three hundred soldiers and citizens
for Washington Territory, via Fort Benton. This is the
party that laid and surveyed the Mullan road to the Columbia
river. We brought the party within twenty miles of Milk
river, this being within thirty miles of the furthest point ever
navigated bv a steamboat at this time. We there discharged

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF W. H. PARKISON. 233

our passengers with their supplies, the company's goods and
forty-eight laborers to build a mackinaw and cordelle it to
Fort Benton. From there we returned to St. Louis, stopping
at different posts to take on robes, fur and peltries. When
we arrived at St. Louis we had on board 11,000 packs of robes,
ten robes to the pack, 900 packs of elk, deer, bear, otter, wolf
and beaver skins.

I then continued on the river in the different capacities
of pilot, captain and owner until 1858, when I quit the river.
We left Kansas City, Missouri, in September, 1858, for Cherry
Creek, better known as Pike's Peak. On November 14th,
camped where Denver now stands. Judge Wagener, Hick-
ory Rogers, Edward Winecoop and H. P. A. Smith were ap-
pointed by Governor Denver of Kansas to organize a county
and call it Arapahoe County as a part of Kansas. In Novem-
ber a number of us assembled and laid out the town and
Judge Smith proposed calling it Denver. This was put to
a vote and carried. My brother and I located two ranches
joining the town. My brother started back to the states to
bring seed, farming implements and provisions. He started
back to Denver with four mule teams loaded, and arrived on
the first of April, 1859, to put in a crop, the first raised^ in
Colorado. I remained in Denver until 1861. I then start-
ed for this country. I arrived at Alder Gulch in May, 1864,
remained there until July and then returned to Denver for
my family. In October we returned to Alder and in Janu-
ary, 1865, left for Last Chance, the present site of Helena.

When my wife arrived at Helena, there were only two
women there. I lived in Helena until 1879. Have been
engaged in mining ever since 1864. I now reside in Boulder
City. W. H. PARKISON,

To-day, Aug. 23, 1886, I am 72 years, 6 months, 9 days old.

Judge Hedges was president of the Board of Trustees of the Historical So-
ciety and Colonel Wheeler the librarian at this time. Mr. Parkison had prom-
ised them to prepare a sketch of his life in Montana, to add to this one, but
it was deferred until too late. We regret deeply the fact that such a gpod
and useful man should pass away, leaving no record of his work in our midst;
four years later he died at his home in Boulder.— (Ed.)

-31 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

(From the Anaconda Standard, August 14, 1892.)
Boulder, Aug. 12. — Captain William Henry Parkison, who
last Friday afternoon was taken with an apoplectic stroke,
died yesterday morning at 10 :10 at his home in Boulder. Mr.
Parkison was born in Williamsport, Pa., Feb. 9, 1814. He
came to the west in 1852 and ten years later was married.
He was the eldest of eight children, of whom four brothers
and two sisters are now living. When Alder Gulch was the
scene of the gold fever, he moved to that place. He owned
a large amount of mining property, but lost a good deal of it
in bad speculations. He was one of the party of surveyors
who staked out the City of Denver, Colorado.

After some years spent in mining adventures Captain Park-
ison decided to move to some other place and accepted a posi-
tion with the American Fur and Trading company of Hudson
Bay. Tiring of this, he invested in cattle and drove them
into Montana, his being the second herd brought into this
state. He was the discoverer of the springs which now sup-
ply the Hotel Broadwater of Helena. When only eighteen
years of age he was captain of a large steamboat on, the Ohio
and Missouri rivers at a salary of $250 a month. He has
belonged to the Masonic order for a period of 50 years. Dur-
ing the latter years of his life his sight failed him, but it was
perhaps more than made up by a very excellent memory. Mr.
Parkison was alwavs known as a man of his word and gen-
erous aims.

Captain Parkison's wife and three children are left to be-
reave the memory of a kind and a loving father. His occu-
pation since coming to Boulder, seven years ago, has been
that of quartz mining. Mr. Parkison was always a public
spirited citizen, and never hesitated when his assistance was
needed in any public enterprise.

(From The Inter Mountain, Butte, Montana, Aug. 13, 1892.)
Captain William Parkison of Boulder is dead. The de-
ceased was one of the old Montana Pioneers. He arrived

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF W. H. PARKISON. 235

here about 1865, coming via the Missouri river and Fort Ben-
ton route. He has always followed mining with his brother,
J. T. Parkison. Captain Parkison was for many years cap-
tain of a steamboat on the Mississippi plying between St.
Louis and New Orleans. He was an uncle of C. D. McClure,
one of the big stockholders in the Granite Mountain mine.
Mr. McClure arrived here from St. Louis yesterday to attend
the funeral to-morrow at Boulder. Captain Parkison was
78 years of age. Some time ago he was stricken with par-
alysis, from which he never recovered, and it developed into
other ailments until he gradually wasted away. He was
well known by all old timers, by whom he was respected.

(Prom the Helena Herald, Helena, Montana, Aug. 13, 1892.)

One of the pioneers of the west passed away at Boulder,
Jefferson County, yesterday morning in the person of Cap-
tain William Parkison. At the time of his death he was
78 years of age, and more than thirty years of that long span
was passed in the Rocky Mountains. Captain Parkison was
at one time Captain of a Mississippi steamer, and in his early
life was employed in running between St. Louis and New Or-
leans. In 1859 he concluded to go west, and reached Colo-
rado across the plains the same year. For a time he lived on
a ranch near Denver, and during the flour famine of 1861, he
ran a trainload into Denver and relieved the stringency.
Coming to Montana in 1863, he has lived here since, most of
the time in Helena. He was engaged in mining, principally
in this state, and was a member of the first water company
in Helena.

For the last few years he has resided in Boulder. A few
days ago he was stricken with paralysis and the case was
pronounced hopeless from the first. He leaves a wife and
three children, besides many friends to mourn his loss. Cap-
tain Parkison was an uncle of Charles McClure, one of the
owners of the Granite Mountain mine and Bi -Metallic mine.
Mr. McClure arrived at Boulder from St. Louis yesterday.

236 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

Sketch of Andrew Jackson.
By W. H. Parkison.

Boulder City, Sept. 23, 1886.
Mr. Hedges.*

Dear Sir: I send you a short sketch of General Jackson,
you can have, so you can add to the one I sent you or destroy
as you see fit.

Yours Respectfully,

W. H. PARKISPN.

At the time of Andrew Jackson's election in 1828, I was
living in Pittsburgh, Penn. The election was one of great
excitement and hard fought. The Governor's election came
off about thirty days before the election of the President.
Both Whigs and Democrats were doubtful which would win
the day. To raise an excitement the Jackson party collected
some three or four hundred boys, formed them in companies
and gave each a hickory broom to carry on his shoulders, my-
self one of the number, to march through the streets and
around the Court House as that was the only place suitable
in that city. Eight or ten Democrats were with each com-
pany to protect the boys from the Whigs. We hurrahed for
Jackson until our throats were sore. We were rewarded
with plenty of gingerbread and spruce beer, by way of re-
freshment, and a big majority for old Hickory. Feb. 1829,
Jackson, on his way to Washington City, stopped one day at
Pittsburgh at the Denison House, corner of Wood and Fifth
Street, having made the trip by stage from Nashville. The
citizens gave him a warm reception and some of his admirers
called again on the boys with those hickory brooms, formed
them in line, marched in front of the hotel and gave three
cheers for Jackson. He came out smiling and said he thought
we would make good Democrats. If there is any living man
that stood in front of that hotel in company with myself it

*Judg,e Hedges was then president of the Historical Society.— Ed.

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF W. H. PARKISON. 237

will recall many pleasant recollections. It was there I first
saw General Andrew Jackson. (Allegheny gave him the
largest majority of any County in the State according to
her population.)

January, 1841, the mayor and citizens of New Orleans, in-
vited General Jackson to visit that place and battle ground,
which he accepted, and on the 8th of January they char-
tered six steamboats — the Echo, Tech, (Tash) and Magnolia,
(I do not remember the names of the other three) but the
Magnolia I was employed on, and being the largest and finest
was selected as the Flag Ship. At 9 A. M. we started, and
arrived at the battle ground at eleven o'clock. He Avent over
the ground, showing the different positions of the contending
armies, till four o'clock when we started back to the City,
where he and his friends took dinner on the Magnolia. That
was his last visit to New Orleans and battle ground and the
last time I ever saw him.

WM. H. PARKISON.

A Trip Down the Missouri River.
Editorial from Helena Independent, November, 1S78.

At noon on the 6th day of November, having, like good citi-
zens, waited over the 5th in order to exercise the privilege of
freemen at the polls, we left Helena in good spirits for our
projected trip to view the wonders of the mighty Missouri,
and get some idea from actual inspection of the feasibility of
its navigation from a point near Helena to the Great Falls.

Our party consisted of Messrs. Anton M. Holter and Tom
C. Power, business men of Helena and Fort Benton ; and Cap-
tains Win, H. Parkison and J. A. Duulevy, experienced river
men, and Harry R. Comly.

Our boat was a light flat-bottom affair, about three feet
beam and fourteen feet long, which, for the purpose of trans-
porting to the river, was, together with our provisions, cook-
ing utensils and blankets, firmly secured to a wagon. The
word being given, the driver cracked his whip, and about two

238 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

hours and a half brought us up safely on the banks of the
river at Ktubb's ferry about twelve miles from town. '

In a very short time, with the assistance of Mr. Stubbs, our
boat was launched, and our traps being loaded, at three P.
M. we pushed from the shore and by aid of the current and
two good oars we were gliding smoothly down the river.

We were supplied with a graduated stick six feet in length,
which was constantly used by one or other of the party in as-
certaining the various depths of water. Captain Parkison
acted as pilot and the other four were divided into two crews
of two each, each crew pulling at oars alternately an hour
each shift. By this means we attained an average speed
of four miles an hour, and hence have estimated the average
current of the river to be about two miles per hour.

The day was clear and pleasant and at 5:30 P. M.t dark-
ness approaching, we hauled up on the right bank of the river
about three miles below the mouth of the Big Prickly Pear,
having accomplished about ten miles of our trip. After cook-
ing and eating supper and exhausting each other with old
yarns, being desirous of an early start next morning, each to
protect himself from cold in the head took his night cap and
turned in, Captain Parkison, who was recognized as leader
assuring us we should not oversleep ourselves.

Sure enough our slumbers were suddenly disturbed by the
cheery voice of the Captain summoning all hands to turn out,
get breakfast, and be ready to start with the rising sun.
"But," says Tom Power, "Where is the rising sun?" — "It will
be up presently. Don't you see the streaks of dawn in the
east?" replied the Captain, pointing with confidence in a
direction to the right of the river.

With this assurance all turned their attention to the camp
fire, and in a short time, having opened our. eyes with some-
thing stronger, a cup of coffee and savory breakfast replenish-
ed the inner man. Nothing remained now but to await the
coming of the orb of day with sufficient light to enable us to
pursue our journey. Minute followed minute until a half

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF W. H. PARKISON.

hour had elapsed, but nary great luminary appeared. Each
hardy voyageur grasped furiously for his watch. "I am
afraid my watch is out of order — what time have you got?"
"Why there is something wrong with mine I fear — what time

have you?" — "Why," says one, " if, I'm only 3 o'clock!"

"And so am I." "And so am I," echoed the balance. Dark-
ness still prevailed upon the face of the mighty Missouri.

Our devoted band gathered around the camp fire, more
wood was heaped upon the embers, and with Christian resig-
nation awaited the progress of time. Hour followed hour.
A hasty glance now and then cast toward that portion of the
heavens where the gray streaks of dawn had been pointed out
evinced the ardent desires of the early risers. But no dawn
appeared. At last about three hours later it gradually got
lighter, but instead of rising up in his proper place Old Sol
deceived us all and slowly stole out of the west.

At 5:25 we were all aboard and away we shot down the
rippling river. We stopped about an hour for dinner and
about 5 p. m. we pulled up on the left bank just below the
mouth of the Dearborn, and there camped for the night.
During this day's journey we passed over about forty miles
of the river, and viewed some of the grandest scenery that
nature has ever presented to the human eye. For long dis-
tances the river winds its serpentine course through deep
chasms or canvons, where rocks of varied hue on either side

wJ 7

rise perpendicularly for hundreds of feet and then sloping
steeply back attain thousands of feet in height, presenting to
the beholder in rude cyclopean form every conceivable archi-
tectural design — now ravishingly beautiful, anon inordi-
nately grotesque; but that which seems most to impress the
gazer and inspire him with awe, is the gigantic size which
these peculiarly weird-like castles, columns, towers and battle-
ments of nature appear to his unclouded vision. The shores
of the river in these canvons, inaccessible by land, can onlv
be approached by the natural highway of the river, and this

240 HISTORICAL, SOCIETY OP MONTANA

wonderful scenery can only be enjoyed from the decks of a
boat.

In other portions the land on either side separates from the
river more gently, and presents to view grassy table lands
and wooded mountains, and here and there a mountain
stream with water of crystal purity lends its quota to swell
the waters of the Missouri, which in this upper, is scarcely
less transparent than that of its tributaries.

The following" day at precisely 6 :30 A. M. we left the mouth
of the Dearborn and proceeded on our way, and at 11 :30 A.
M. arrived at Gibson's ferry, better known perhaps as the
Fort Shaw and Camp Baker ferry, about twenty miles below,
or in all about seventy miles from our starting-point, accom-
plishing the trip in seventeen actual traveling hours. From
this point we secured conveyance for ourselves and baggage
to the stage road, and the day following at noon arrived by
the Benton Coach in Helena, having been gone just exactly
three days.

The last half day upon the river many objects of interest
presented themselves. Among other matters, on either side
of the river, we surprised a number of bands of black tail
deer, one of which, by the marksmanship of Mr. Power, was
added to our larder; quite a band of mountain sheep was seen
at short range on the rugged cliffs, but although fired at they
seemed to bear charmed lives and got away unscathed. Now
and then a beaver would be seen gliding through the water,
and upon discovering us, with a plash of his broad black tail
he would disappear beneath the surface. Geese were plenti-
ful, but as we took no pains to hunt them, they for a time have
escaped the murderous lead.

It would take too long in an article like this, to detail the
many points of interest directly concerning the navigation of
the river; suffice to say, that having with us the report of the
survey made in 1872 by Thos. P. Roberts, Esq., Assistant En-
gineer of the N. P. R. R., and continually comparing the ob-
servations made by us with his report, all have agreed that

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF W. H. PARKISON. 241

Mr. Robert's examination of the river lias been thorough and
complete, and that it does not in the least exaggerate on the
side of easy navigation; in fact we found from four to six
inches more of water in the channel than he did, which we
could only account for by supposing the river to be higher
this November, 1878, than it was in August, 1878, the time he
made his survey. The worst part oi; the river, and the only
place where boats would be required to cordelle, is at Half
Breed rapids; the water, however, is three feet deep in the
channel, and it would only be necessary to remove some bould-
ers to make it perfectly safe. At two other points, at the
lowest stage of water, there might not be over twenty inches,
although we found two feet. One of these is at Bear Tooth,
and the other at Blackbird ripple. The slight depth at both
these places is caused by the river dividing into chutes around
islands and the depth could be readily increased by closing
one or more of the chutes.

The trip was made with ease, probably owing to the skill
of our pilot. Captain Parkison, who seemed to be able to
select the channels as readily as one would follow a plain
public highway. The weather was delightful ; perhaps, how-
ever, no finer on the average than our seasons in Montana are
at this time of year. The whole part}7 enjoyed themselves
and are well satisfied with the Upper Missouri, and doubt
not that in the near future our people will be enabled to en-
joy the treat of a steamboat ride through the fairy land of
the great canyons of the grand old river.

242

HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF ARMISTEAD
HUGHES MITCHELL, M. D.

By Captain James Mills, Former Editor of "New Northwest."

Armistead Hughes Mitchell, the subject of this sketch, was
bom in Jefferson County, Kentucky, October 27th, 1831. His

DR. ARMISTEAD HUGHES MITCHELL.

father was William Daunton Mitchell, son of Captain Robert
Mitchell and Anna Seldon Armistead, his wife, all of
whom were born, reared and educated in the State of Vir-
ginia. William Daunton Mitchell came to Kentucky when
a young man and married Lucy Hughes, daughter of Major

SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF A. H. MITCHELL, M. D. 243

.Toll 11 Hughes, and Ann Meri weather Hughes, his wife, who
were also natives of Virginia and descendants of the Hughes,
Tarleton and Neville families of the old Mother State. Major
Hughes served through the Revolutionary war on the patriot
side, his mother Ann Neville Hughes, allowing him to leave
college and enlist at the age of sixteen. He came to Ken-
tucky in 1802 and established himself on a large farm near
Louisville, Jefferson County, wThere Armistead Hughes Mit-
chell was born. His father, Wm. D. Mitchell, subsequently
removed to La Grange, Oldham County, Kv., where he was
elected Clerk of the County, and held that office for a number
of years. He later became an eminent jurist and was es-
teemed one of the most learned men in Kentuckv. It was
while his father was living at La Grange that Armistead
H. received his primary education.

This much of Dr. Mitchell's ancestry is obtained from his
relatives still living in Kentucky. Other, and later, events
in his life, until his arrival in Montana, are derived from a
sketch in Miller's History of Montana, the data for which
were obtained personally from Dr. Mitchell by Mr. Lucien
Eaves for that work.

"The early boyhood of our subject was spent at the Univers-
ity of Virginia, being four years in the preparatory depart-
ment. While in his junior year, being of an adventurous
disposition, he ran away from school and joined a regiment,
going to the Mexican war under Colonel Humphrey Marshall.
His father learning of this escapade, had him sent home in a
few months, and put him to studying medicine in Louisville,
v\here he attended a course of lectures at the Jefferson Col-
lege, and finally graduated in the medical department of the
University of New York City, in 1852.

"At this time his father was conducting a sugar plantation
on the Brazos river, thirty-five miles from Galveston, Texas.
The California mining excitement coming on about this time,
young Mitchell started for the West, visiting for a short time
his father's plantation. Proceeding westward, he lingered

-H HISTORICAL SOCIETY OP MONTANA

for a year iii .Mexico, and finally landed at San Francisco
in (he autumn of 1S53. There lie entered inlo an active spec-
ulative career, engaging in mining in various parts of the
State, in addition to his practice as a physician, and soon be-
came actively interested in the political movements of the
times, and in 1857 was elected to the State Legislature. In
1859 he was re-elected as the Joint Representative from Tu-
lare and Fresno Counties. During all this time he continu-
ed his mining and speculative interests. He also operated a
large ranch in connection with Jasper Harold, buying and
selling- large herds of catte throughout the mining districts.

Dr. Mitchell, after selling his interest in the cattle busi-
ness, went to Fraser river, British Columbia, the source of
the gold excitement of the time; but, finding the prospects
there unsatisfactory, he returned to California and finally
located at Aurora, Nevada, where he took up the practice of
medicine and soon drifted again into mining speculation, in
which he was very successful. He was one of the original
discoverers of a rich mine at Esmeralda, where he operated
until 1SG3, amassing a considerable fortune, when he went to
Austin, same State, and thence to Idaho City, Idaho. Not
finding matters satisfactory there, he went to Oregon and on
to the Kootenai district in British Columbia, which at that
time was a flourishing camp. He soon obtained a mining
claim on a creek not far from Galbraith's ferry, some miles
north of what is now Bonner's ferry. The placers there were
phenomenally rich, and Dr. Mitchell took out of his claim
some |20,000 of gold dust in three months. With this stake
he returned to San Francisco to spend the winter.

In May, 18G5, he returned to the diggings. While on a
prospecting trip, he fell in with a Jesuit priest and some
Indians, who reported some very rich placers in the Blackfoot
country. He therefore accompanied them across the mount-
ains, arriving at McClellan's Gulch, in Deer Lodge County,
Sept. 9th, 1805; but he proceeded on to Helena where he en-

SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF A. H. MITCHELL, M. D. 245

gaged in the practice of medicine. In 1866 he located at the
town of Blackfoot permanently.

In 186S he was elected on the Democratic ticket to the Ter-
ritorial Council as joint-Councilman for the district composed
of Deer Lodge and Missoula Counties, and was re-elected to
the Legislature in 1869-70-71-72-76-77-78-79-S0-81-82-83. He
was elected and served as President of the Council in 1871-75-
77. In 1872 he was elected and served as a member of the
House from Deer Lodge County. He was an active, efficient
legislator and a prompt, able and impartial presiding officer.

In 1869 he was appointed by the President of the United
States to construct the original building of the Territorial
Penitentiary at Deer Lodge, to which place he removed the
same year, and was in charge of the work until its completion
in 1871. He was then appointed physician and surgeon of
the same institution, performing the duties in connection with
those of general practitioner located at Deer Lodge. He re-
signed the position at the prison in 1882, but remained a resi-
dent of Deer Lodge, until almost the end of his life.

In 1877, Dr. Mitchell and Dr. Charles F. Mussigbrod were
awarded the contract for the care, maintenance and medica-
tion of the Insane of the Territory, then few in number. They
established the asylum for the same at Warm Springs, in
small buildings ; but the location was an ideal one and it has
never been changed. The contractors almost immediately
began the construction of larger and better buildings. They
have retained the contract ever since and the numerous splen-
did buildings of the present commodious asylum at Warm
Springs, with its hundreds of well housed and well cared for
patients, are the natural evolution under progressive and
energetic contractors, from the primitive buildings in which
it was started.

During the Xez Perce war. Dr. Mitchell was appointed
Surgeon General of the Territory by Governor B. F. Potts,
and General Gibbon attested his confidence in him by ap-
pointing him surgeon in charge of the wounded after

246 HISTORIC AT, SOCIETY OF MONTANA

the Battle of Big Hole, the regimental surgeon having become
detached from the command.

Dr. Mitchell was one of the three Commissioners of Mon-
tana at the Columbian World's Exposition at Chicago in
1S93, and held numerous positions of eminence in organiza-
tions looking to the interests of the Territory and State. Pie
always took an active interest in politics, and was frequently
selected chairman of committees, organizations or conventions
in which he participated. In 1S85 he was chairman of the
Democratic Territorial Central Committee; in 1888 he was
elected by the Convention as a member of the Democratic
National Committee, and while serving in that capacity was
appointed a member of the committee to notif.y Mr. Cleveland
of his nomination. In 1892 he affiliated with the People's
Party; was nominated by that party in Deer Lodge County
for State Senator ; was County Chairman in 1894-6 ; was dele-
gate to the State Conventions in 1894-6-8, and was elected
Alternate to the National Convention at St. Louis in 1896.

During all this time, and, during the remainder of his life,
while actively engaged in a large medical practice and as con-
tractor of the asylum, he had always been largely and in-
tensely interested in mining enterprises. Probably no man
of his means in Montana put more of his money into unde-
veloped mining properties and their legitimate development
than did he. As is invariably the case, some of these prop-
erties failed to recompense those who developed them ; but
others have proven, or are proving, valuable, and his invest-
ments were for the development and upbuilding of Montana.
He was an eminently active and useful citizen.

Dr. Mitchell and Mary Ellen Irvine, daughter of Thomas
H. Irvine, Esq. of Richmond, Kentucky, were united in mar-
riage at Deer Lodge, Montana, November 23d, 1871. There
were born to them : John Paul, Sept. 3d, 1872 ; Mary- Adele
and Armistead Hugh, (twins) October 21st, 1874; William
Daunton, Dec. 5th, 1S7S, and Harold Gouverneur, May 18th,
1884. All survive except Armistead Hugh who died of

SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF A. H. MITCHELL, M. D. 247

typhoid fever, at the age of nineteen, while attending the Uni-
versity in Chicago, Illinois.

On Oct. 3, 1882, in presence of the Grand Lodge of Ma-
sons of Montana, then in session at Deer Lodge, the degrees
of E. A. ; F. C. ; and M. M. were conferred on Dr. Mitchell by
Deer Lodge No. 14 A. F. and A. M. under a special dispensa-
tion of the Grand Lodge. He continued a member in good
standing therein during his life, and when death came was
buried by the Lodge with Masonic honors.

Dr. Mitchell's last illness was long and painful, baffling the
skill of the best specialists and the heroic fight he made to
withstand its ravages. It began in the summer of 1896, and
continued until December 20th, 1898, when he died. It was
known 'to physicians as mastoiditis, affecting the eyes and
head. In July, 1897, in the effort to combat it, he went on a
journey to Alaska and in November of the same year went to
New York and consulted Dr. Bosworth and Professors Gray
and Starr. In September, 1898, he went to California for
relief, but returned home in October and died at his residence
at Warm Springs.

The funeral services were held at the Episcopal Church,
Deer Lodge, Rev. E. G. Prout officiating, and his burial took
place in the Deer Lodge cemetery under the direction of, and
with full Masonic rites by Deer Lodge No. 14, A. F. and A.
M. It was the largest ever known in Deer Lodge, many
friends, eminent citizens of the State resident elsewhere, join-
ing with those of Deer Lodge in paying the last tribute of
affection to one universally esteemed.

Among the salient characteristics of Dr. Mitchell, were his
high sense of personal and professional honor and his vigor-
ous, unswerving fidelity in his friendships. The confidences
of his patients were guarded as sacredly as are the secrets of
the confessional. His friendship knew no barrier of creed,
country, political affiliation or wordly possession; and in
them he was pronounced, aggressive and steadfast as life it-
self. His fidelitv knew no shadow of turning. He was a

248 HISTORICAL RoCIKTV OF MONTANA

sturdy lighter for a cause espoused, but was withal singularly
free from vindictiveness.

While a leader in public affairs and conspicuously active in
the industrial development of Montana, the writer cannot
refrain from expressing the conviction that Dr. Mitchell's
greatest eminence and fame rest upon his many years of ser-
vice in Montana as a physician and surgeon. Coming a
little later than some of the others, he was yet early in the
field, where with Drs. E. D. Levitt, Jerome S. Glick, William
B. Steele, Ira B. Maupin, B. C. Brooke, E. T. Yeager, Father
Ravalli and others, he won the earnest and enduring grati-
tude of the hardy pioneers for the heroic duties required of
the pioneer physicians. For them no journey was too great,
no storms too fierce. No hardships, dangers, distances and
fatigues were obstacles to be considered when duty called.
In the night and the cold, over rugged ranges and across rag-
ing streams they went hungering and sleepless if circum-
stances required, without ever a question of "who is to pay?"
And the man without a dollar, in a remote gulch, was as care-
fully sought out and ministered to as though he had been a
millionaire. These old time physicians were the benefactors
and heroes of the pioneer people and their memories will ever
be enshrined in grateful hearts. Among these Dr. Mitchell
was eminent. Masterful of nature; impulsive and imperi-
ous at times in the hurly-burly of life, at the side of the suffer-
ing he was patient, gentle and sympathetic as a woman, and
many a life was saved by his skillful ministrations and tender
nursing.

He was a faithful, affectionate husband; an indulgent
father; a cultured, energetic, useful citizen; honest in all
the relations of life, and a gentleman always.

SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF WILLIAM H. CLAGETT. 249

SKETCH OF THE LIFE AND CHARACTER OF

WILLIAM H. CLAGETT.

By W. W. Dixon.

Montana can well claim the subject of this sketch as one of
her most distinguished sons, although the latter part of his
life was spent in adjoining States. But for many years he
lived in Montana, was thoroughly identified with her people
and was one of her delegates in Congress.

William Horace Clagett was born in Prince George's
County, Maryland, September 21, 1838. He was the
third of three sons and had two sisters younger than him-
self. All are now dead except the oldest brother, Thomas,
who lives near the old homestead in Maryland. The Clagett
family is a very old and numerous one and dates back to Lord
Baltimore's time. It is said the name was originally spelled
with two "g's" but that during the revolutionary war the
patriot or rebel branch of the family dropped one "g" to
distinguish themselves from the Tory branch.

Thomas W. Clagett, the father of William H., was a law-
yer and a planter in Maryland, but in 1850 removed with his
family to Keokuk, Iowa. He was a positive, aggressive man,
and active in politics and soon became well known through-
out Iowa. He engaged in the practice of the law and also in
farming. He was District Judge and afterwards editor of
the "Constitution" newspaper which is still published in
Keokuk. In 1861 his office was partially destroyed and his
press thrown into the Mississippi, river by a mob who
thought his paper was too pronounced in its pro-southern
utterances.

William H. Clagett went to school and studied law in
Keokuk. He did not attend college. He was admitted to

250 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF .MONTANA

the bar in Keokuk | his father being then Judge of the Dis-
irid Court) iii September, 1858, when he was not quite
twenty years old. lie afterwards went to the Albany, N. Y.

law school for a year. lie practiced law in Keokuk and made
his first political speeches for Douglas in the campaign of
I860. In the spring of 1861 he was married to Miss Mary E.
Hart, a niece of the late Senator Morton of Indiana. On the
day of his marriage he, with his brother George, started
across the plains for California. His wife joined him about
eighteen months later at Carson City, Nevada, having come
by sea and across the Isthmus to San Francisco. He had a
hard trip across the plains, and finding nothing better to do,
went to work cutting and hauling wood near Dayton, Nevada.
His brother George died soon after their arrival.

In the fall of 1861 a great excitement broke out over some
silver quartz discoveries in Humboldt County, Nevada.
Clagett went there with a party of whom Mark Twain (an old
acquaintance in Keokuk) was one. Twain describes this
trip very humorously in his book "Roughing It." Clagett
practiced law and mined in Humboldt until 1864 or 1865.

In 1862 he was elected from Humboldt County to the Ne-
vada Territorial House of Representatives and was re-elected
in 1861, just before the admission of the State into the Union.

In the fall of 1864 he stumped Nevada for the republican
ticket, advocating the adoption of the proposed Constitution
and the admission of the new State and also the election of
Win, M. Stewart as United States Senator. He made a
great reputation as a political speaker in this campaign. The
following winter he spent in the legislature at Carson City
and was active in legislation and in procuring Mr. Stewart's
election to the Senatorship.

For about eighteen months after this he practised law in
Virginia City, but business had then become somewhat quiet
there, and in the early part of 1866 he returned to Humboldt.

In March, 1866, he started overland with his family for
Montana and arrived in Helena the following May. A few

SKETCH O. THE LIFE OF WILLIAM H. CLAGETT. 251

months later heremoved to Deer Lodge,and this washis home
and that of his family as long as he continued to be a resident
of the State. He practiced law successfully and engaged more
or less in mining. In the fall of 18G7, with his family, he
went down the Missouri river on the steamboat "Imperial."'
She had a crowd of passengers and was a large boat. It was
late in the year and the water was low. She was continu-
ally aground, the provisions gave out, the passengers had to'
hunt game to keep from starving, and the boat was finally
abandoned, and after many harships and much discomfort
the passengers found their way on other boats to points lower
down the river. The trip was a rongh one and some of the
boat's officers narrowly escaped lynching. Many old Mon-
tanians will remember the journey on the Imperial.

In June, 1871, the republicans nominated Clagett for dele-
gate to Congress. He made a warm campaign and was
elected and spent most of the next two years in Washington.
He procured the passage of the Act establishing the pi'esent
National Park at the head waters of the Yellowstone as a
reservation; aided in the enactment of the mining law of
1872; introduced the bill establishing the United States assay
office at Helena, and was active in other legislation affecting
Montana. He also strongly advocated a bill regulating the
government of Utah and the suppression of polygamy, which
was somewhat in the nature of what was afterwards known
as the Edmunds bill. Upon this bill he made a speech in
the House which attracted much attention, and increased his
reputation as an able public speaker. His idea was that
the condition of things in Utah stood in the way of the other
Territories securing in Congress the legislation they needed,
and he vigorously denounced the Mormon Church and its
officials. His position in this matter Avas never forgotten
nor forgiven by the Mormon people of whom there were many
in Idaho, nor was his subsequent action in advocating the
adoption in the Idaho constitution of some stringent provi-
sions against polygamy. The Mormon influence was arrayed

HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

solidy and actively against him in his subsequent campaigns
for United Stales Senator in Idaho and was largely instru-
mental in his defeat.

In 1873 he was again a candidate for delegate to congress
on the Republican ticket and again made a vigorous campaign
of the St ate, but he was defeated. He resumed his law prac-
tice in Deer Lodge, and continued it until 1877, engaging
more or less in mining enterprises from time to time, but with
no great success.

During this time he was special United States counsel in
several prosecutions for frauds in the Indian service, and
conducted them with great vigor.

This was a period of business depression in Montana.
Placer mining was decreasing and quartz mining was just be-
ginning to develop into a great industry. Clagett became
restless and impatient, as he generally did when not actively
employed, and determined to seek a more active field. He
went first to Denver in 1877, but remained there onlv a few
months, going on the stampede which about that time took so
many people to the Black Hills in Dakota. He located in
Deadwood and for four or five 3^ears practiced law very suc-
cessfully and profitably. He kept pretty much out of politics
in Dakota.

In 1882 he left Deadwood and spent part of a year in Butte
developing a quartz claim on the Parrot lode, now owned by
the Anaconda Copper Mining Company.

After drifting about a while, without making a permanent
settlement, he went to Portland, Oregon, and opened a law
office, but a few months later the Coeur d'Alene mining stam-
pede started, and he went to that country. There he prac-
ticed law for several years and engaged actively but not very
successfully in mining. He also became prominent in poli-
tics. Idaho was then agitated over the question of annexing
that part of the Territory called the "Pan Handle" to either
Washington or Montana. Cagett advocated annexation to
Montana, and made many speeches in support of his views.

SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF WILLIAM H. CLAGETT. 253

The scheme, however, was never carried out, and not long
after, the Territory was admitted intact as a State.

In 1889 he was elected a delegate to the Constitutional
Convention of Idaho, which was held in Boise the following
year, and he became President of the Convention. He was
active and prominent in framing the Constitution which was
the one under which the State was admitted.

In 1891 he was one of the Republican candidates for United
States Senator before the Idaho Legislature. He could prob-
ablv have been elected to hold until the following March, but
he refused to consent to this arrangement as contrary to a
previous understanding and unfair to his portion of the State.
Dubois was elected for the long term. Clagett's friends in
the Legislature claimed that Dubois' election was irregular,
and afterwards elected Clagett. He made a contest of Du-
bois' seat in the Senate at Washington. He was given the
privilege of the Senate and allowed to argue his own case.
This he did with great force and ingenuity in a speech which
quite astonished the reverend Senators, and attracted much
attention. Dubois, however, retained his seat.

Not long after this Clagett became an advocate of the doc-
trines of the Populist party and was again a candidate for
United States Senator. Heitfeldt, however, was elected.
Clagett was much disappointed in the result of this last con-
test and felt that he had been shabbily treated by some of his
professed friends. His health had begun to fail, and in 1899
he went East where he remained for the next year or more.
He attempted to start a reform movement in Chicago, but was
not able to accomplish much. He delivered several lectures
in favor of free silver coinage, under the auspices of the Am-
erican Bi-Metallic Union, in Illinois, and some adjoining
states. He also spent some time in Maryland in an endeavor
to recover his health, and during this time wrote a book advo-
cating free silver coinage.

In 1900, during the Presidential campaign, he advocated
Bryan's election, and at the request of the Democratic Central

254 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

Committee made some campaign speeches in Western New
York. He was al 1 1m* Bryan banquet in New York City. Be-
fore the close of the campaign he came west again and made
a. few speeches for Bryan in the State of Washington. AYliile
in Chicago, he became well acquainted with Governor Altgeld,
whom he greatly admired.

He settled in Spokane in 1900, and opened a law office.
With Ids failing health he had lost some of his accustomed
energy and combativeness and a good deal of his ambition.

He left, a widow and eight children. His wife, and one
daughter, Grace, live in Portland, Oregon. The eldest
daughter, Mary, lives in Chicago, where she is practicing
medicine. Three daughters, Mabel (Mrs. F. E. Lucas), Ida
and Emma, live in Spokane. Of the three sons the eldest,
Thomas William, lives not far from Colfax, Washington.
George is in the Government custom service, and Horace lives
in Denver.

In person, Clagett was of over average height, well built
and strong. He had a handsome face and a remarkably fine
eve. His habits of life were most exemplary. lie had no
inclination for any kind of dissipation. He was verv care-
less in his dress and gave little thought to his appearance.
His manners were somewhat of the old southern style. He
was always courteous and generous to those in need. He was
a, hard student in whatever interested him, a fairly ready
writer, and very interesting in conversation. He had his
own opinions and theories on very many subjects, and in
these he was very positive. No one could convince him that
they were wrong, and he was always ready to maintain them
by argument; and yet, he often changed his views, or rather
perhaps, his methods of accomplishing his ends. He was a
great reformer and wherever he was he advocated and fought
for changes and measures to make things better. This dispo-
sition made him many enemies, bnt it also gained him manv
friends. He was a natural born leader of men. His earnest-
ness ami sincerity and his ability and activity kept him

SKETCH OF THE LIKE OF WILLIAM H. CLAGETT. 255

alwavs in the foreground. He was a good lawyer, and in the
court room was at his best in the trial and argument of min-
ing and criminal cases. He had a high standard of profes-
sional duty and he lived up to it.

The following, in his own handwriting, was found written
on the page of an old office day book he had used :

"Osorne, Now 21, 1890.
"On this day I post my books finally, preparatory to going
out of practice. I have giyen credit by deduction for several
thousands of dollars because most all of the amount is abso-
lutely worthless, and the remainder is due from men who be-
friended me in the early days of the Coeur d'Alene, and whose
kindness I am glad to thus remember. 1 hope that I will not
again be called upon to practice law for a living, but who
knows what the future may have in store. It is a matter of
just pride to me that beginning the practice of the law at the
age of twenty years and retiring now in my fifty-third year,
I have always kept my oath of office inviolate, and while
guarding the interests of my clients with most jealous care,
I have never resorted to any chicanery or deceit to any court
or used any other than just and lawful means to win any
cases. . I have been more than successful in my profession
and I leave it perhaps temporarily, perhaps permanently,
with a tender regret.

WM. H. CLAGETT."

He liked mining, in which, always sanguine and persever-
ing, he was never successful; and politics, in which, except
by reason of his ability, he was not at all adapted to succeed.
He had no idea of policy, compromise or conciliation. His
plan was to fight everything out on principle. He was no
political manager or dodger. He was too honest and consci-
entious,— too aggressive and uncompromising, — to be a suc-
cessful politician in these days. He would have made a great
preacher or a powerful advocate of some new religious creed.
As an orator too much cannot be said in his praise, and it is
doubtful if any man of this age was much his superior. His
clear, ringing, well-modulated voice; his well-chosen words
and graceful gestures; his readiness and ease, and, perhaps,

HISTORICAL Sih'ICTY OF MONTANA

more than all, his earnestness and sincerity, combined to make
him a model public speaker. Men went miles to hear him,
and never came away disappointed. Old miners all over the
West will tell you they heard "Billy Clagett" make a speech
at such a lime and place, and what a wronderful talker he
was.

It is to be regretted that there is no permanent record of
some of his best oratorical efforts. What his real friends
and his children will remember with the most pride and satis-
faction about Clagett will be his fine personal character and
private life. He was unsuccessful in many things, and left
behind him but little of this world's wealth. But he was an
honorable and honest man in every relation of life. Even
his bitterest enemies (and he had his share) never questioned
his honesty or accused him of corruption, and his best friends
best knew howr free from any bad influences he was himself.
His changes from one political party to another have been
sometimes harshly criticised as due to his desire to be on the
stronger side, but those who knew him well do not believe the
charge. He always looked to the political measures or re-
sults he considered of the greatest importance, and, to achieve
these, he was at all times ready to drop minor differences and
join hands with the party that he thought could best accom-
plish them.

In 1860 he supported Douglas. After the war commenced
he became a Republican because he was in favor of maintain-
ing the union of the states, by force if necessary. He was a
strong silver man and when he thought the Republican party
was not right on the silver issue he was ready to unite with
the Populists to try to bring about free coinage. Whatever
cause he espoused he always fought for it with all his might.

Clagett's career was typical of that of many western men,
— active, positive, earnest, persevering, pushing, sanguine, —
and not over-successful from a worldly point of view. But
no man who has fought and struggled as he did to make things
better ever lived in vain.

SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF WILLIAM H. CLAGETT. 257

This sketch is written by one who knew him as boy and man
for fifty years, who was intimately associated with him as a
student, a business partner and a friend, and who contributes
it as an imperfect but affectionate tribute to his memory.

CUSTER MONUMENT.

BATTLE OF THE LITTLE BIG

HORN.

(MSTICR'S LAST BATTLE. 259

CUSTER'S LAST BATTLE

On the Little Big Horn in Montana, June 25, 1876-
By William S. Brackett.*

It was during our Centennial Year and on the soil of Montana that the
last great conflict between the white and red men for the possession of the
country was fought to a virtual finish.— Cornelius Hedges.

CAUSES OF THE SIOUX WAR OF 1876.

The Dakotas or Sioux have long been the most numerous,
powerful and war-like nation of Indians in North America.
In 1876, the United States Government determined to compel
them to settle down upon reservations allotted to them, and
remain under control of their Indian agents.

The Sioux war of 1876 originated in an effort by the army
to force certain wild and recalcitrant bands to comply with
this policy of the Government. Sitting Bull (Tatonka e-
Yotanka ) in North Dakota and Montana, and Crazy Horse
(Tashunka-Uitco) on Powder river, Wyoming, were the prin-
cipal leaders of the hostile and renegade bands of Sioux who
roamed over what General Sheridan then termed "an almost
totally unknown region, comprising an area of 90,000 square
miles." The hostile camps contained eight or ten separate
bands, each having a chief of its own. Authority was exer-
cised by a council of chiefs. No one chief was endowed with
supreme authority, but Sitting Bull, an Uncapapa Sioux, was
accepted as the leader of all his bands. He was a shrewd
"medicine man," a prophet, seer and statesman among the
tribes of the Sioux, but never in any sense a war chief — he

* Mr. Brackett died in 1902. His biography will appear in Vol. V. The
sources from which lie gathered the material for his sketch of the Custer
1 >; i ttle are the best authorities, Harper's and other magazines having published
the articles quoted by him here.— Ed.

2tj0 HISTORICAL SOOIIOTY OF MONTANA

never appeared on the field of battle during the Sioux war of
1S76, nor at any other time.

In the spring of that year, General Sheridan sent three
widely separated columns of troops against the hostiles. The
first column, under General George Crook, consisted of fifteen
companies of cavalry and five companies of infantry (total,
1,04111, and marched from the south. The second column, un-
der General Alfred H. Terry, was composed of the famous 7th
Regiment of U. S. Cavalry, twelve companies or "troops,"
(about 600 men), six companies of infantry, a battery of gat-
ling guns, and forty Indian scouts. This column moved west-
ward from Fort Abraham Lincoln, North Dakota. The third
column, under General John Gibbon, consisted of four com-
panies of cavalry and six companies of infantry (450 men in
all), and marched eastward down the Yellowstone from Fort
Ellis, Montana, and united with General Terry's column on
the Yellowstone at the mouth of the Big Horn river, June 21,
1876.

All commanders in the field, including General Sheridan
himself, believed the hostiles numbered not to exceed 1,000
warriors. General Sheridan in his official report says : "Up
to the moment of Custer's attack no information was had,
public or private, to justify the belief that there were in Sit-
ting Bull's camp more than 500 to 800 warriors." But hun-
dreds upon hundreds of available fighting men from the vari-
ous reservations were daily slipping away and stealthily join-
ing the big village of Tatonka-e-Yotanka, until there were
opposed to the troops between 4,000 and 5,000 well-armed
warriors. These were armed with the best and latest models
of breech-loading and magazine rifles, most of them Winches-
ters, and with plenty of ammunition.

Out in the lovely and fertile valleys of the Bosebud, the
Tongue, the Little Big Horn and Powder rivers, streams flow-
ing northward into the Yellowstone, Sitting Bull and his de-
voted followers spent their days in the wild liberty they loved
so well. Sheltered from storm and tempest by the high bluffs

THREE CHIEFS WHO FOUGHT AGAINST CUSTER.

CUSTER'S LAST BATTLE. 261

alone: the streams, living- in the midst of untold thousands of
buffalo, elk and mountain sheep, it is no wonder that they
clung- to this, their "Indian story land" as they did to no
other.

Marching against them, and at the head of the cavalry in
General Terry's column, rode the dauntless Murat of the Am-
erican army, Lieutenant-Colonel George A. Custer, command-
ing the Seventh Regiment of United States Cavalry, a Major-
General by brevet in the regular army by reason of his gallan-
try and heroic services in the civil war. He had now become as
distinguished an Indian fighter as he had been an able and
dashing cavalry general under Sheridan ten years before in
the great war of the Rebellion. On the southern plains he
had very recently with his gallant regiment won a brilliant
victory and forever broken the power of the hostile Kiowas
and Chevennes, at the battle of the Washita. Naturallv the
command of the initial attack fell to General Custer, who be-
lieved he could defeat the hostiles with his own regiment
alone. He, like all other commanders in the field, believed
there were not to exceed 1,000 warriors opposed to the troops.
His written instructions from General Terrv gave him a wide
discretion in making the attack, in these words: "It is of
course impossible to give you any definite instructions in re-
gard to this movement, and were it not impossible to do so,
the General commanding places too much confidence in your
zeal, energy and ability to wish to impose upon you precise
orders which might hamper your action when nearly in con-
tact with the enemy."

CUSTER'S MARCH TO THE BATTLE FIELD.

General Custer rode out against the enemy with his own
regiment aJcne, being twelve troops, numbering about 600
men, and he believed, with General Terry, that this force
was sufficient. General Terry, in his official report, says :
"Custer expressed the utmost confidence he had all the force
he could need, and I shared his confidence." General Sher-

HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

man has sai<l thai Custer's attack «»n the big village was,
under the circumstances, and according to well settled prin-
ciples of Indian warfare, neither desperate or rash, because
having inarched into the /one where the Indians were as-
sembled, "he could do nothing but attack when he found him-
self in the presence of the Indians." — (General Sherman.)

At noon on the 22d of June, Custer, with his regiment,
marched rapidly from the mouth of the Rosebud, as he was
ordered to do, and arrived in the vicinity of the big village of
the Sioux on the night of June 24. His first intention was to
conceal his regiment in the hills and under the bluffs during
the following day, and make an attack on the 2C>th of June
jointly with Terry's and Gibbon's troops, who were marching
up tin1 Big Horn river from the Yellowstone simultaneously
with Custer, hut upon another line of approach. But the dis-
covery of Custer's presence by the Indians, which was re-
ported to him by his faithful Crow scouts, necessitated an im-
mediate attack on the 25th, in the judgment of Custer, in
which decision he has been supported by the best authorities
on Indian warfare, including General Sherman.

The big village of Tatonka-e-Yotanka lay along the westerly
side of tin1 Little Big Horn river, an affluent of the Big Horn ;
Custer's approach was from the opposite side. The lodges,
several thousand in number, extended down the river for a
distance of four miles or more, but all except those at the
southern end of the village were concealed by the steep bluffs
and tortuous course of the stream.

From the point where General Custer made his attack, only
a small portion of the village was visible. This served to
confirm the idea prevailing everywhere that the hostiles num-
bered not to exceed one thousand warriors. But here was in
fact the largest body of Indian warriors ever assembled in
North America, each band under its chosen war chiefs and
armed with the best and most modern firearms, viz : The Un-
capapa Sioux, under Chiefs (Jail, Crow-King and Black-
Moon; the Ogallala Sioux, under Chiefs Crazy-Horse, Big-

CUSTER'S LAST BATTLE. 263

Road and Low-Dog ; the Sans Arc Sioux, under Chief Spotted-
Eagle; the Minneconjou Sioux, under Chief Hump; the Brule
tribe of the Sioux, under their chosen leaders ; and the North-
ern Cheyennes, under Chiefs White-Bull, Two-Moon and
Little-Horse. Added to these were a considerable number of
Blackfeet and Arapahoes. The total number of men, women
and children in the bio; village is now known to have been
twelve or fifteen thousand. The ruling- spirits among the
Avar chiefs were Crazy-Horse, Gall and Crow-King, and to
them belong the chief honors of conducting the battle. Chiefs
Lame-Deer, Kill-Eagle, Lone- Wolf, Little-Big-Man and Red-
Dog were among the war leaders of the Indians, also.

Following Custer's trail from the Rosebud to the battle-
field, one comes in sight of the Little Big Horn winding its
way in a northwesterly direction to its junction with the main
stream. South are the bold cliffs and dark canyons of the
mountains, over twenty miles away. North, tumbling and
rolling towards the Yellowstone in alternate intervale and
ridge, the treeless upland prairie stretches to the horizon.
Westward the eye roams over what seems to be a broad, flat
valley beyond the stream ; but the stream itself, called by the
Sioux the "Greasy Grass," is hidden from sight under the
steep bluffs that hem it in. Custer and his gallant six hun-
dred saw enough that bright June morning as they galloped
towards the southern end of the Indian village, to fire the
blood of any soldiers. Far to the northwest and west, huge
clouds of dust rose billoAving from the broad valley of the
Little Big Horn. Across the hidden stream and far in the
distance, could be seen the vast swarming herds of Indian
ponies in excited movement. Here, there and everywhere,
tiny dots of mounted Indians were scurrying away, and down
at the right front of the regiment, down along that small
portion of the village which could be seen, all Avas lively tur-
moil and confusion among the hostiles; lodges and tepees
were being hurriedly taken down, and their occupants were
apparently fleeing from the wrath to come.

264

HISTORICAL SOCIETY OP MONTANA

As was their custom, Custer and his bold horsemen of the
gallant Seventh now rode into battle with the swift dash and
pomp which ever distin gui si led them. Bright guidons fluttered
in the breeze; near General Custer rode two sergeants, one
carrying the regimental standard of blue, and the other his
personal or headquarters flag, the same kind of flag used by

INDIAN TRAVOIS,

him while commanding his cavalry division during the Civil
War. Many of the officers and men wore the neat undress
uniform of the cavalry, now faded and dusty from the cam-
paign. Others wore the frontier buckskin, or dark blue flannel
shirts and the regulation blue army trousers, with long boots.
All wore broad-brimmed felt hats of light color, like that worn
by their idolized commander. General Custer himself, his
brother Captain Tom Custer, his adjutant, Lieutenant Cook,
and his old comrade of the Army of the Potomac, Captain
Myles W. Keogh, were all dressed nearly alike, in buckskin
coats of Indian-tanned, beaver-trimmed, buckskin, with broad-

CUSTER'S LAST BATTLE. 265

brimmed hats of light color, and long riding boots. General
Ouster mounted on his swift and beautiful thoroughbred sor-
rel horse "Vic," and was armed with a Remington breech-
loading rifle and two ivory-handled revolvers. The men were
armed with the regulation Springfield breech-loading cavalry
carbine, and revolvers. No sabres or swords' were carried by
either officers or men. General Custer carried no sword or
sabre. Such weapons are always left behind at fort or gar-
rison, as being useless in campaigns against Indians. The
trumpeters rode at the heads of columns with their chiefs, but
the band of the Seventh Cavalry was, for the first time, left
behind. Custer's last charge was sounded without the ac-
companiment of "Garry Owen," the Irish fighting tune he
loved so well, and whose rollicking notes were heard in his
victorious onset at the battle of the Washita.

ATTACK OF THE SEVENTH CAVALEY.

The regiment crossed the dividing ridge between the Rose-
bud and Little Big Horn valleys a little before noon (June
25). Shortly after, Custer divided his regiment into three
battalions, one under command of Major Marcus A. Reno,
one under Captain F. W. Benteen, and the third under his
own command. Benteen's battalion was ordered to the left
and front, with orders if he found any Indians there to send
word to Custer, but to attack anything he came across. Reno's
battalion was ordered to cross the river and charge the village
from its southern or upper end. Custer, with his own bat-
talion of five companies or "troops" turned to the right be-
fore reaching the ford where Reno crossed, and marched
rapidly north and down the river, with the intention of cross-
ing at the ford below the village and attacking it at the north-
ern or lower end, and opposite to Reno's point of attack.*
Custer's march was now about parallel to the course of the
river, and down it, but a mile or more away from it. Reno

* These were the same tactics which won for Custer decisive victory at
the battle of Washita.

206 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

failed to carry mil with any vigor his orders to charge the
village, and alter riding towards it for some distance, he dis-
mounted his men to fight on foot. The Indians now swarm-
ed around his thinks. His casualties were as vet verv few.
lie fell back towards the river and soon gave orders to those
near him to "Mount and get to the bluffs." His retreat,
which he led in person, was a panic rout from the valley, in
which three officers and twenty-nine soldiers and scouts were
killed. He recrossed the river at a point nearer and below
where he had first crossed, and gaining the top of a high
hill near the river, entrenched himself in a secure position
against further attack. Benteen's battalion, not finding any
enemy in the direction they were ordered to march, returned
to the sound of Reno's firing, and soon after joined the latter's
battalion on the hill. This was about 2 :30 o'clock p. m.

Some time before this, Benteen had received a written ortfe*-
from Custer, in these words : "Benteen, come on — Big village
— Be quick — Bring packs." Custer, now seeing how big the
village was, evidently desired Benteen by this order to join
him with his battalion at once. He sent no such order to
Reno because he supposed the latter was on the other side of
the river attacking the upper end of the village as he was or-
dered to do. He had no reason to think Reno would not push
his attack vigorously. The order to "bring packs," wras to
hurry up the pack train with its escort, for the packs con-
tained the reserve ammunition, afterwards so sadly needed by
Custer. When Benteen joined Reno on the hill, the latter
became by seniority and rank, the commander of the whole
force.

Of Reno's failure to join Custer at this time, such able
military critics as Gen. J. B. Fry, U. S. Army, have well said :
"Under the circumstances Reno might well have treated this
order (Custer's order to Benteen) as applying to himself as
well as to Benteen." The order from Custer was never
obeyed by Reno or Benteen. Had Reno been down the valley
with one battalion, surrounded by the whole force of hostiles,

CUSTER'S LAST BATTLE.

267

as was Custer at this time, and had Custer been with the other
two battalions in Reno's secure position, we know from gal-
lant Custer's character and disposition that he would have
charged down like a whirlwind to the reinforcement and res-
cue of his imperiled comrades.

Soon after Benteen joined Reno, the Indians all withdrew
from the fight there, and concentrated against Custer down

RENO HEIGHTS.

the valley. That accurate and careful historian of the battle,
Major E. S. Godfrey, 7th U. S. Cavalry, who, as captain, com-
manded a troop of Benteen's battalion on that fatal day, says :
"During a long time after the junction of Reno and Benteen,
we heard firing down the valley in the direction of Custer's
command. The conviction was expressed, 'that our com-
mand ought to be doing something or Custer would be after
Reno with a sharp stick.' We heard two distinct volleys
which excited some surprise. I have but little doubt now

HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

that these volleys were tired bv Custer's orders as signals of
distress and to indicate where he was."

Iu speaking of Custer's last written order to Benteen to
join him, Major Godfrey says: "It is possible, yes, probable,
that from the high point where he was, Custer could see

CURLY-ONLY SUKVIV'OR OF CUSTER MASSACRE.

nearly the whole camp and force of the Indians, and realized
that the chances were desperate." The firing down the val-
ley, heard bv IJeno and Benteen, was the whole force of the
Indian warriors now concentrated against and fighting Custer
and his battalion. About five o'clock, more by Reno's per-
mission than by his direct command, several companies of his
battalions moved out in the direction of the firing heard
down the valley. But the battle there was all over at this

CUSTER'S LAST BATTLE. 269

late hour; Custer and his entire command were then dead.
The Indians now hurried from Custer's battle held and con-
centrated against Reno and Benteen on the hill; the com-
panies which had marched out a little way towards Custer at
five o'clock, now retreated by Reno's orders to the rifle pits
on the hill.

CUSTER'S LAST BATTLE AND DEATH.

General Custer, with his battalion, had separated from
Reno before the latter crossed the Little Big Horn under
orders to charge the village. Custer's column bore to the
right and rode swiftly down the river and about a mile away
from it. They marched in column of fours. A ridge of
high bluffs and the river separated the two commands and
they could not see each other. On this ridge, however, Cus-
ter and his staff were seen to wave their hats and heard to
cheer just as Reno was beginning his attack. This was the
last ever seen of Custer and his men in life. The column
disappeared in a cloud of dust; then the cloud alone was to
be seen hanging over their trail like a pall. It was about
this time Custer sent his last order to Benteen to "Come on —
Big village — Be quick — Bring packs." At this time the In-
dian chiefs, seeing Custer's advance down the river, gave
orders for the village to break up and leave the valley; all
was consternation, confusion and panic in their camp. The
Indians say that if Reno had held his ground in the valley on
the other side of the river, they would have been compelled
to divide their forces for the different attacks, and this would
have prevented the concentration of every able-bodied warrior
upon the battalion under Custer. Lodges were being hur-
riedly taken down and the village would soon have been on
the retreat, with the warriors fighting on the defensive.
Ponies by the thousands were dragging the dust-raising tra-
vois far out over the westward slopes, and the golden oppor-
tunity was at hand for a brave and dashing leader in Reno's
position to add ten-fold to the panic by a charge into the vil-
age, as ordered by Custer. But Reno had had no experience

;7.i HISTORICAL StM'lKTV OK MONTANA

in Indian fighting, and was not the man to lead any such at-
tack with dash or energy. He dismounted his men, fell back
into the timber, and was soon after in full retreat back across
i he river. Major Godfrey, ever accurate and impartial, in
his history of the battle says: "At the time of the discovery

• • •

of Custer's advance to attack, the chiefs gave orders for the
village to move, to break up. At the time of Reno's retreat
this order was being carried out, but as soon as Reno's retreat
was assured, the order was countermanded and the squaws
were compelled to return with the pony herds; the order
would not have been countermanded had Reno's forces re-
mained fighting in the bottom. Custer's attack did not be-
gin until after Reno had, in retreat, reached the bluffs.

The great body of Indian warriors began leaving Reno and
that part, of the field while he was retreating, and before he
reached the bluffs, and hastened down the river to attack
Custer. This explains why Reno w'as not pushed during his
panic retreat, and while he w7as securing his strong position
on the. hilh "All the Indians withdrew from further attack
on Reno soon after Benteen's battalion joined Reno's, viz: a
little after 2:30 o'clock p. m."— (Godfrey.)

The only reliable acount of Custer's movements and his sub-
sequent battle, in which his command was annihilated, is de-
rived from facts related to Major E. S. Godfrey by Chief Gall,
of the Sioux, and other Indians, and from Major Godfrey's
own careful study and observations of the battlefield, made at
different times. The statements of Chief Gall have been fully
corroborated by other Indians. Custer had marched with
his battalion over three miles in a northerly direction from
the hill where Reno was afterwards besiege!, and about par-
allel to the river, but at a distance of a mile to two miles from
it. ITis design was evidently to attack the village from the
lower end, and head off the "scatteration" cause;! by Reno's
attack. His command consisted of five companies, or
"troops," being 12 officers and 191 enlisted men of the Sev-
enth Cavalry. Mr. Boston Custer (brother of General Cus-

CUSTER'S LAST BATTLE. 271

ter) , Mr. Autie Reed (nephew of General Ouster I , and several
scouts and civilians accompanied the battalion, which was
officered as follows: Captain Myles W. Keogh, commanding
troop I, and with him Lieutenant James E. Porter; Captain
George W. Yates, commanding- troop F, and with him Lieu-
tenant William Van W. Riley; Captain Thomas W. Custer
(brother of General Custer), commanding troop C, and with
him Lieutenant Henry M. Harrington; First Lieutenant Al-
gernon E. Smith, commanding troop E, and with him Lieuten-
ant James G. Sturgis; First Lieutenant James Calhoun
(brother-in-law of General Custer), commanding troop L,
and with him Lieutenant John J. Crittenden ; staff officers.
First Lieutenant William W. Cook, Regimental Adjutant aud
Assistant Surgeon G. E. Lord, medical officer.

Major E. S. Godfrey's account of Custer's desperate battle
with the overwhelming thousands of the enemv is derived
from the best sources extant, and is as follows :

"Not long after the Indians began to show a strong force
in Custer's front, Custer turned his column to the left, and
advanced in the direction of the village to near a place now
marked by a spring, halted at the junction of two ravines just
below it, and dismounted two troops, Keogh's and Calhoun's,
to fight on foot. These two troops advanced at double time
to a knoll now marked by Lieutenant Crittenden's monument.
The other three troops, mounted, followed them a short dis-
tance in their rear. The led horses remained where the troops
dismounted. When Keogh and Calhoun got to the knoll,
the other troops marched rapidly to the right. Smith's
troop (the gray horse troop) , deployed as skirmishers, mount-
ed, and took position on a ridge, which on Smith's loft ended
in Keogh's position I now marked by Crittenden's monument)
and, on Smith's right, ended at the hill on which General
Custer took position with Yates' and Tom Custer's troops,
now known as Custer's Hill, and marked by the monument
erected to the command. Smith's skirmishers, troop E, hold-

272 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

ing their gray horses, remained in groups of fours. ■ They
died for the most part on this, their line of battle.

"The line occupied by Custer's battalion was the first con-
siderable ridge back from the river, the nearest point being
about half a mile from it. His front was extended about
three- fourths of a mile. The whole village was now in full
view. A few hundred yards from his line was another, but
lower ridge, the further slope of which was not commanded by
his line. It was here that the Indians under Crazy-Horse,
from the lower part of the village, among whom were the
Cheyennes, formed for the charge on Custer's Hi 11. All Indians
had now left Reno. Chief Gall collected his warriors and
moved up a ravine south of Keogh and Calhoun. As they
were turning this flank they discovered the led horses without
any other guard than the horse holders ( one man out of each
four holding four horses). They opened fire on the horse
holders, and used the usual devices, to stampede the horses —
that is, yelling, waving blankets, etc. In this they succeeded
very soon, and the horses were caught up by the squaws. In
this disaster Keogh and Calhoun probably lost their reserve
ammunition, which was carried in the sadde-bags. Gall's
warriors now moved to the foot of the knoll held by Calhoun.
A large force dismounted and advanced up the slope far
enough to be able to see the soldiers when standing erect, but
were protected when squatting or lying down. By jumping
up and firing quickly they exposed themselves only for an
instant, but drew the fire of the soldiers, causing a waste of
ammunition. In the meantime, Chief Gall was massing his
mounted warriors under the protection of the slope. When
everything was in readiness, at a signal from Gall the dis-
mounted Indians rose, fired, and every Indian gave voice to
the war whoop ; the mounted Indians put whip to their ponies,
and the whole mass rushed upon and crushed Calhoun. The
maddened mass of Indians was carried forward by its own
momentum over Calhoun and Crittenden, down into the de-

CUSTER'S LAST BATTLE.

273

pressiou where Keogh was, with over thirty men, and all
was over on that part of the field.

"In the meantime the same tactics were being pursued and
executed around Custer's Hill. The warriors under the
leadership of Crazj^-Horse, Crow-King, White-Bull^ Hump
and others, moved up the ravine west of Custer's Hill, and

HERE FELL CAPT. KEOGH AND 38 MEN OF CUSTER'S COMMAND.

concentrated under the shelter of the ridges on his right flank
and back of his position. Gall's bloody work was finished
before the annihilation of Custer was accomplished, and his
victorious warriors hurried forward to the hot encounter
then going on, and the frightful massacre was completed."

With the annihilation at Custer's Hill the battle was virtu-
ally over in that part of the field, and the Indians moved in
rast bodies south to fight Reno on the hill wher* he was en-
trenched. This was after five o'clock on th^i. afternoon of
Tune 25th.

Of Reno's fight it may be briefly said, the Indians surround-
ed him and his seven companies of cavalry entrenched there.

HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

and poured a terrific lire into them until about ten o'clock
mat night. By the great courage, good leadership and deter-
carnation of Captain Benteen, Reno's forces were saved from
annihilation by the overwhelming masses of the hostiles.
Reno himself lay in the trenches weak and irresolute in bod;y
mid mind, and Benteen was the real commander, ably backed
up Dy the brave and efficient company commanders, Captain*
French, Moylan, Weir, Godfrey and McDougall, and Lieu-
tenants Wallace, Varnum, Hare, DeRudio, Gibson, Edgerly
and Ma they. Reno's total losses were Lieutenants Mcintosh
and Hodgson, Assistant Surgeon DeWolf, and forty-six men
killed, and fifty-two wounded. Dr. Henry R. Porter, Assist-
ant Surgeon, the only surviving medical officer, rendered valu-
abe and heroic services to the many wounded men there under
his sole care. Night put an end to the battle, but there was
little rest for the beleaguered survivors of the gallant Sev-
enth. The big village of the Indians was that night a veri-
table pandemonium of savage joy — all night long they con-
tinued their frantic revels; beating tom-toms, dancing, whoop-
ing, yelling with demoniacal screams, and discharging fire-
arms. They were having the greatest scalp dance in history.

At early dawn the hostiles resumed fire on Reno's men. A
gallant charge during the day under Captain Benteen, drove
the Indians back, and probably saved the command from anni-
hilation. Heroic volunteers from the soldiers worked their
way that day down the ravines to the river to get water for
the wounded, all the while exposed to the fire from the In-
dians. Several men were wounded in this service. All were
afterwards given the medal of honor by Congress.

About three o'clock in the afternoon (.Tune 20) the fire
of the Indians ceased, and at about seven o'clock the village
was broken up and the entire mass of Indians retreated to the
south towards the Big Horn mountains. They appeared to
the beleaguered troops, and really were in fact, as large as an
army corps, as they moved in one immense mass across the

a
►

B
0

CUSTER'S LAST BATTLE. 275

plateau. Their scouts had observed the approaching columns
of Generals Terry and Gibbon and before these advancing
troops they were now in retreat, having lost several hundred
warriors killed in battle with the Seventh Cavalry. On the
morning of June 27th, Terry and Gibbon came up to the re-
lief of Reno's command, and the next day the whole force
marched north to bury the dead of Custer's command. All the
bodies except a few were stripped of their clothing and nearly
all were scalped or mutilated. There was one notable ex-
ception, that of General Custer, whose face and expression
were natural ; he had been first shot in the left side and then
in the temple. There were 12 commissioned officers and 191
enlisted men killed with General Custer, and a number of
scouts and civilians, among the latter, Boston Custer and
Autie Eeed. Major Godfrey's memorandum, made at the
time, shows the burial of two hundred and twelve bodies of
white men on that field. The total loss of the Seventh Cav-
alry was 265 killed and 52 wounded.

An able summary of the causes of Custer's defeat is made
by Major Godfrey as follows:

1. Major Reno's panic rout with his battalion from the
valley of the Little Big Horn.

2. Overwhelming numbers of the Indians and their sudden
and unexpected concentration on Custer and his battalion.

3. The defective extraction of the empty cartridge shells
from the carbines of the soldiers, rendering them in many in-
stances useless.

IMPORTANCE OF THE BATTLE IN HISTORY.
It is a grave misnomer to call it "The Custer Massacre."
Its place in real history is far more important. It was the
last great stand of the hostile Indians of North America
against advancing civilization. After this battle their power
was forever broken, and the Indians knew it. Custer and
his men died not in vain. Never again were the war-like Sioux
and Cheyennes able to gather together such a formidable force
as fought Custer on the Little Big Horn.

:,. HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

The assembled tribes of hostiles then saw it was useless to
further resist the white man's westward advance, and broke
up into sinn 11 bands, which soon after surrendered. Custer's
costly work and sacrifice were well rendered, and have been
of lasting benefit to American civilization.

Custer's last battle was the American Thermopylae, for
Leonidas and the Three Hundred made no more heroic re-
sistance against overwhelming odds than gallant Custer and
his slender battalion of American soldiers on the soil of Mon-
tana on that fatal June day in our Centennial year. No white
man survived that bloody field to tell the story of the fight.

Sometime in the future perhaps, our grand young State
will erect an enduring memorial in honor of these heroes and
martyrs who died for the upbuilding of Montana.

Upon that monument or memorial should be written in let-
ters of everlasting bronze these words :

THERMOPYLAE HAD ITS MESSENGERS OP DEFEAT ;
CUSTER'S LAST BATTLE HAD NONE.

And whose shall we say was the right or the wrong of this
terrible conflict? Longfellow replies in his beautiful poem
written to commemorate the event :

"Whose was the right and the wrong?
Sing it, O funeral song,
With a voice, that is full of tears,
And say that our broken faith
Wrought all this ruin and scathe
In the Year of a Hundred Years."

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PART TWO - TRUE ACCOUNT OF KILLED AND WOUNDEI

CUSTER'S LAST BATTLE.

277

A NEW STORY OF CUSTER'S LAST BATTLE.

Told by the Messenger Boy Who Survived.

Note.— The Historical Society is indebted for this contribution to Mr. Will
Aiken, of the Helena Independent, who is personally acquainted with Sergeant
Kanipe.— (Ed.)

Daniel A. Kanipe, born April 15, 1853, at Marion, N. C,
enlisted in C. Troop, 7th U. S. Cavalry, August 7th, 1872.

DANIEL A. KANIPE.

The regiment was transferred from the south to Dakota
Territory in the spring of 1873. The Yellowstone expedi-
tion started from Fort Bice on the 20th of June, 1873, under
command of General Stanley, with the civil engineers who

278 HISTORICAL Snt'IKTY < >F .MONTANA

surveyed the extension of Hie Northern Pacific Railroad from
Bismark to sonic point near the Yelowstone National Park.
Gen. Geo. A. Custer was in command of the ten troops of the
Seventh Cavalry, which accompanied iliis expedition.

A fight with the Indians occurred near the mouth of 1li<*
Big- Horn river, in which General Custer's orderly, Tuttle,
and others were killed. The expedition returned to Fort A.
Lincoln the last of September, 1873, for winter quarters.

The Seventh Cavalry under (Jen. Geo. A. Custer went on
the Black Hills expedition on July 1st, 1874, accompanying
the surveyors who explored the Black Hills and made a map
of the section, returning- to Fort A. Lincoln on August 31st,
1874.

The regiment remained in quarters at Forts Lincoln and
Rice until the spring of 1876. The expedition of 1876 against
the Sioux Indians under Sitting Bull left Fort A. Lincoln
on May 17th, 1876, under command of General Terry. Our
forces on this expedition consisted of the twelve troops of the
Seventh Cavalry. It was the first time all the troops had
been together since the regiment's organization in 1867.

At PoAvder river the command went into camp for a few
days while Troop C, with five other troops under command
of Major Reno, went on a ten days' scout up Powder river
thence across to Tongue river, thence across to the Rosebud,
where we struck the Indian trail.

After following the Indian trail for a day and night, lack
of rations forced our return down the Rosebud to the com-
mand, which we joined in the Yellowstone below the mouth
of the Rosebud. At the mouth of the Rosebud the regi-
ment drew fifteen days' rations, and on June 22d, under com-
mand of Gen. Geo. A. Custer, the regiment began the march
up the Rosebud on the main Indian trail.

On the evening of the 22d General Caster issued orders
that no more bugle calls would be sounded, that the command
would move by signs, and that there should be no fires except
enough to make coffee, until further orders.

COSTER'S LAST BATTLE. 279

On the 24th we passed a number of places where the In-
dians had held their Sun Dances. At one of these places one
of our Crow Indian scouts found the scalp of a white man tied
to a willow twig, which was supposed to have been taken from
one of General Gibbon's command shortly before.

We marched all night of the 24th at a trot or gallop. At
daybreak on the 25th the regiment halted in a deep ravine
near the divide between the Rosebud aud the Little Big Horn^
where we unsaddled our horses and made coffee.

It was apparent that the General intended to keep his com-
mand concealed in this place until night again, but Quarter-
master Sergeant Curtis, having gone back after a box of hard-
tack, which was lost from a pack-mule the night before, saw
some Indians helping themselves to the hardtack.

When this was reported to General Custer, knowing that
his position was known to the Indians, he at once marched
his command up on the main divide, where the command was
halted while he, with his guide, orderly and chief trumpeter,
went on in the direction of the Indiau camp. He returned
in about two hours and officers' call was sounded.

After a consultation with his officers he divided the regiment
into four companies. General Custer with the five troops
C, E., F., I. and L. followed the main Indian trail. Major
Reno with the three troops A., G., and M. marched to Custer's
left and abreast. Captain Benteen with the three troops D.,
H. and K. inarched to the left of Reno and abreast. Captain
McDougal with B. troop was to march in the rear of the pack
train and follow the main Indian trail.

Custer with his five troops went in a gallop down Mud creek
toward the Little Big Horn. About halfway down this
creek we came to a vacated Indian camp at which one tepee
remained, containing a dead Indian. At this place Major
Reno came into sight on the left side of Mud creek. He was
signalled to cross to Custer, where he received orders to
charge the Indian camp.

Reno and his men went at a swift gallop down Mud creek

880 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

across the Little Big Horn river and down the valley toward
the south end of the Indian camp. General Custer followed
the same route that Keno took, for a short distance, then
turned squarely to the right, charging up the bluffs on the
banks of the Little Big Horn, where he saw a number of
Indians.

When we reached the top of the bluffs the Indians had dis-
appeared, but we were in plain view of the Indian camps,
which appeared to cover a space of about two miles wide and
four miles long on the west side of the river. We were then
charging at full speed.

Reno and his troops were again seen to our left, moving at
full speed down the valley. At sight of the Indian camps,
the boys of the five troops began to cheer. Some of the
horses became so excited that their riders were unable to hold
them in ranks, and the last words that I heard General Custer
say were, "Hold your horses in, boys, there are plenty of them
down there for us all."

Custer and his troops were within about one-half mile of
the east side of the Indian camps when I received the follow-
ing messages from Captain Thomas Custer, brother of the
General : — "Go to Captain McDougal. Tell him to bring
pack train straight across the country. If any packs come
loose, cut them and come on quick — a big Indian camp." "If
you see Captain Benteen, tell him to come quick — a big In-
dian camp."

On my route back to Captain McDougal I saw Captain
Benteen about half way between where I left General Custer
and the pack train. He and his men were watering their
horses when first seen. Captain McDougal and the pack
train were found about four miles "from the Indian camp.
The pack train went directly to the bluff where I left Custer's
five troops.

When we reached there we found Reno with a remnant of
his three troops and Benteen with his three troops. It was
stated that Reno inarched to the edge of the Indian camps,

CUSTER'S LAST BATTLE. 281

dismounted, and then remounted and retreated to the top of
the bluffs where we found him. He had not lost a man until
he began his retreat.

Benteen and his troops reached the top of the bluffs just
in time to prevent the massacre of all Reno's men. When
Benteen met Reno, the Indians turned again in the direction
of where Custer and his men were found dead. Being cut off
from my command, T remained on the bluff with Reno's men.
We marched down the range of bluffs toward the Indian
camp. There the command was halted for about one-half
hour. Then the Indians commenced to return from the
direction of where Custer and his men were killed. They
came with great rapidity and force.

Our command was then ordered to retreat to the highest
point of the bluffs, where the pack train and horses were cor-
ralled, and a skirmish line formed around them. This was
about 3 p. m. The Indians kept up a constant heavy fire
until dark from all sides except from the side next the river.
They made frequent desperate charges, requiring our utmost
strength to repulse them. Their charges were made hideous
by their savage yells. At dark the firing ceased.

During the night the Indians kept up a constant beating of
their drums and pow-wowing down at their camp. At day-
break on the 26th they re-opened a heavy fire on us from all
sides, and during the whole day our utmost strength was re-
quired to repulse their repeated charges.

On the evening of the 26th we could see them moving their
camp in a southerly direction, but the warriors kept up a
constant firing until it was dark. On the morning of the
27th there were no Indians in sight. We had only 182 men
able for duty. Sixty-eight were wounded. The remainder
were dead.

We then got water, made coffee, etc. This was the first
food or water that we had taken since the morning of the
25th. At about 9 a. m. we saw three columns coming up the
Little Big Horn valley, which on investigation proved to be

282 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

General Gibbon's command. lie readied us at about 1 p. in.

General Terry and stall: came up to us on the bluff and in-
formed us of the massacre of General Custer and his five
troops. We had supposed that he and his men were cor-
ralled at some other point, as we were at this one. When
General Terry came up, the boys gave him three cheers. He
cried like a child as he told us of Custer's sad fate.

I then went with Ben teen and his troops down to where
the massacred troops lay. The Indians had taken all the
soldiers' clothing-, guns and ammunition, and the bridles
and saddles from the dead horses. Many of the men were
so mutilated and so changed by the two days of hot sun that
the}' could not be recognized. Those who were onty wounded
at first were cut in the face and on the body with the toma-
hawk. Some had their bodies shot full of arrows, others
were scalped.

General Custer was not mutilated. His body lay at the
point where the last ones fell, shot in the breast by but one
ball.*

The only living thing found on the battlefield was Captain
Keogh's horse, old Comanche. He had seven different
wounds. The dead soldiers were buried as they lay. Fully
half of Reno's men were found dead on the line of his retreat.

The Indians had carried away all their dead and wounded
except about sixty dead ones left in three of their tepees. They
had rolled these in buffalo robes and tied them with raw-hides.
Much of their dried buffalo beef, camp kettles and other sup-
plies were left in the camp. The Indians scattered, all going
to their several reservations, except Sitting Bull and about
four hundred that went across into Canada.

On the night of the 28th the wounded were carried to the
"Far West" steamboat at the mouth of the Little Big Horn
and sent to Fort A. Lincoln.

I have always thought that General Custer's plans were

♦Colonel Dodge says in "Our Wild Indians," that he Is convinced Custer
died hy his own hand. This would account for his body's being unmutilated.
The Indians had a peculiar reverence for a suicide.— (Ed.)

CUSTER'S LAST BATTLE.

283

to attack the Indian camp at three different points at the
same time, to stampede the warriors, to capture the squaws,
ponies and equipments. If Benteen had ever reached the
camp and if Eeno had not retreated, it is believed that his
purpose would have been fully accomplished, although there
were supposed to have been about 3,500 Indian warriors
armed with the best guns then on the market.

SILENT SENTINELS OF THE SEVENTH.

Speaking now as a private citizen, I do not hesitate to
express it as my opinion that if Reno and Benteen had car-
ried out their orders, Custer and the five troops would not
have met their sad fate. Better and more gallant soldiers
than those who died on this ill-fated field never adorned the
American army, and braver, truer and more efficient officers
than General Geo. A. Custer and his brother, Captain Tom
Custer, never lived.

DANIEL A. KANIPE,
Ex-Sergeant C. Troop, 7th Cavalry.

284 HISTORICAL. SOCIETY OF MONTANA

RECENT NEWSPAPER ITEMS CONCERNING
CUSTER'S LAST BATTLE.

Discovery of First Message Announcing Custer Battle.

OF GREAT HISTORIC VALUE.

Was written by General John Gibbon in Reno's Camp on the Little Big Horn,

and Sent to Major Benham.

(From the Billings Times, July 22, 1902.)

An account of the discovery of an important document
bearing on the so-called "Custer Massacre" comes from Tiffin,
Ohio. It is a document, the authenticity of which is de-
clared to be beyond question, that was found by Col. D. W.
Benham, U. S. A., (retired) among his effects a few days ago.

It is of great historic value, as it is the first message from
the battle-field to the outside world conveying the news of the
massacre of General Custer and his command at Little Big
Horn, Montana, June 25, 1876.

The message was penciled on sheets torn from a note book
by General John Gibbon, who relieved Major Reno, and was
written in the trenches in Reno's position on a hill immedi-
ately after Gibbon's arrival and repulse of the besieging
Indians. A courier escaped with a message to General Ben-
ham, who was in command at Fort Ellis, and the latter gave
the news of Custer's fate to the nearest telegraph office.

The message has never been published before, because, as
alleged at the time it was written, Reno was accused of de-
serting Custer in the hour of need. The story that Gibbon
gives is probably inspired by Reno, but the interior of the
letter throws a hitherto unknown light on the event.
The message is legible and is as follows :

CUSTER'S LAST BATTLE. " 285

"Camp on Little Big Horn, June 28, 1876.

"Dear Major — We will start down the river to-day for the
steamboat with the wounded of Custer's command, and from
the mouth of this stream move down to the mouth of the Big
Horn.

"General Custer's command met with terrible disaster here
on the 25th. Custer, with five companies, were, so far as we
can ascertain, completely annihilated, no living man of
them having as yet been found, and probably none with them
escaped except two of our Crow scouts, who were lent Custer
by me and brought us the first news.

"Mitch Boyer was killed, and the bodies of General Custer,
Colonel C. (his brother) and another brother (citizen)
Captains Keogh and Yates and Lieutenant Cook, Adjutant
Calhoun, Porter, Riley, Sturgis, ( son of the General ) , Hodg-
son, Mcintosh, Harrington, Acting Assistant Surgeons
DeWolf and Lord have all been identified positively, except
Lord, Porter and Sturgis.

"On the 26th we made a long march till dark, came in sight
of some few scattered Indians, and next day (yesterday)
reached Colonel Reno's command, fortified on a hill. They
were in a desperate strait until 6 o'clock the night before
(26th), with very little water and fifty wounded men, and the
Indians decamped in very great haste at our approach, leav-
ing immense quantity of plunder behind, which we shall
destroy to-day.

"The delight of the poor fellows when they discovered us
to be friends was extreme. Roughly stated ..the loss of Cus-
ter's command is about one-half, say 250 men. The Indians
were in great strength and were estimated at from 1,800 to
2,500 warriors. My command is intact and in fine order,
and I wish you would telegraph the commanding officers at
Fort Shaw and Camp Baker that we are all well, to allay the
anxiety of friends. I wish I knew where Mrs. Gibbon was
that you might telegraph her, but I do not. At a venture you
might telegraph Mr. Henry Moale, 18 Commerce street, Balti-

l'S6 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

more. 'TeU Fannie myself and command are all well. J. G/
Date it Camp on the Little Big ITorn, June 28.

"When the fight commenced Colonel Reno, with three com-
panies, charged, had quite a heavy fight, was overpowered and
driven back and took to the bluffs, where he met four other
companies, and they had heavy fighting all the rest of that
day and all of the 26th, and knew nothing of the fate of Custer
and his five companies until we arrived and informed them
of it.

"3 p. m. — We have buried all the dead, and hope to have
litters for the wounded finished in time to go a few miles
down the river to-day, camp near the site of the Indian camp
and destroy the property deserted by them.

"When you read this send it to General A. J. Smith, Helena,
who will please give it to Colonel Broadwater, at the request
of Carroll, who is with us here. Yours truly, J. G.

"MAJOR BENHAM, Fort Ellis."

Note. — Major Benham of Tiffin, Ohio, has sent to the Historical Li-
brary the' original document of General Gibbon.— (Ed.)

CUSTER'S LAST BATTLE. 287

HUGH McQUAID TOLD WORLD OF THE CUSTER MASSACRE.

Pioneer Newspaper Man Scoops War Department on Terrible Battle.

(From the Avant-Courier, Friday, June 6, 1902.)

"There is one incident in the life of the late Hugh McQuaid
that has not, as far as I have seen, been mentioned in the
newspapers," said a well known resident of Helena. "Hugh
McQuaid was the man who gave to the world the news of the
Custer massacre in 1876.

"At that time Mr. McQuaid was editor of the Independent,
and a man connected with Gibbon's command during the long
Sioux war acted as correspondent for the paper, sending out
a courier to the government telegraph station at Old Fort
Ellis near Bozeman, from where the news would be tele-
graphed to Helena. The Custer massacre occurred June 25,
and McQuaid's man got to Bozeman and telegraphed the news
to the Independent on the night of July 5. McQuaid saw the
importance of the massacre as a news item and immediately
wired it to a number of eastern newspapers, giving a vivid
account of the battle many hours ahead of the receipt of the
news of the massacre at the wrar department in Washington.

"McQuaid's dispatch created a sensation and aroused the
people of the east to the seriousness of the Indian troubles.
Before the war department had received official confirmation
of the terrible news steps were taken to send a large number
of new troops to the frontier, and this action resulted in the
defeat of the Sioux by General Miles."

Following is the story of the massacre as printed in the
Independent on the morning of July 6, 1876 :

"Advices just received from the Diamond R outfit with
Gibbon report a terrible battle with the Indians on the Little
Big Horn river. Custer attacked a camp of 4,000 Sioux and
after a desperate battle defeated them. Three hundred
soldiers and fifteen officers were killed and Custer himself, as
reported in another dispatch, is slain. The battleground is
literally covered with slain. The Indians retreated.

"Gibbon was thirty-six hours too late for the battle."

MEMBERS AND OFFICERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLIES. 289

MEMBERS AND OFFICERS
Of the Legislative Assemblies of the State of Montana.

COMPILED BY JAMES U. SANDERS.

State Admitted November 8th, 1889.

FIRST SESSION.

Held at Helena, the Capital. Convened Nov. 23rd, 1889. Adjourned Feb. 20th,

1890.

Joseph K. Toole i Governor, Helena

Louis Rotwitt Secretary of State, White Sulphur Springs

John E. Rickards Lieutenant Governor and President of the Senate, Butte

♦Aaron C. Witter Speaker, Republican House, Dillon

Charles P. Blakely Speaker, Democratic House, Bozeman

SENATE.
Dist.

1. *Lawrence A. Brown, R Beaverhead County

2. Loren B. Olds, R., President pro tem Madison County

3. Charles W. Hoffman, D Gallatin County

4. Robert Fisher, R Jefferson County

5. William M. Thornton, D Deer Lodge County

6. M. E. Rutherford, R Missoula County

7. Cornelius Hedges, R Lewis and Clarke County

8. Joseph A. Baker, D Chouteau County

9. "William Parberry, D ,. Meagher County

10. Daniel J. Hennessy, D Silver Bow County

11. R. G. Redd, D Custer County

12. Albert L. Babcock, R Yellowstone County

13. William S. Becker, D Dawson County

14. Cornelius J. McNamara, D Fergus County

15. James E. Thompson, R Park County

16. Jerauld T. Armington, R Cascade County

Frederick Gilbert Secretary

Pierce Hoopes Enrolling Clerk

J. F. Kelly Engrossing Clerk

Rev. G. K. Berry Chaplain

♦Matthew McGuirk Sergeant-at-Arms

Robert Jackson Watchman

Woodman Paynter Page

* Deceased.

Note— The Republicans and Democrats maintained separate Houses of Represen-
tatives during the entire session. The Republican body including Messrs. Bray,

-290 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. (Republican.)

\:iron ('. Witter Beaverhead County

Rt >l>ert T. Wing Beaverhead County

I'M win D. Hastie Cascade County

i 'Maries Lodirav Cascade County

Joh n M. Boardman Choteau County

'Samuel L. Mitchell Choteau County

•Charles H. Loud Custer County

Hugh H. Moran Custer County

John W. Rlair Deer Lodge County

John D. AVaite Fergus County

David A. Cory Lewis and Clarke County

Anton M. Holter Lewis and Clarke County

John Horsky Lewis and Clarke County

Robert H. Howey Lewis and Clarke County

Fayette Harrington Madison County

Edwin H. Goodman Meagher County

A. S. Blake Missoula County

Thomas L. Greenough Missoula County

"William B. Harlan Missoula County

"John T. Phillips Missoula County

Charles H. Eaton Park County

Charles H. Stebbins Park County

Absalom F. Bray Silver Bow County

Peter R. Dolman Silver Bow County

Frank H. Hoffman Silver Bow County

James H. Monteath Silver Bow County

William H. Roberts Silver Bow County

-William Thompson .' Silver Bow County

"William H. Norton Yellowstone County

♦Martin Newcomer Cascade and Dawson Counties (Joint)

Benjamin Webster Chief Clerk

W. M. Cook Engrossing and Enrolling Clerk

Dolman, Monteath. Roberts and Thompson of Silver Bow County on certificates
of election by the State Board of Canvassers, elected by the elimination of the
vote of Precinct No. 34 (Camp No. 1, Butte & Gallatin Railroad.) It met tempo-
rarily in the Iron Front building, Nos. 409-15 North Main street and was known
as the Iron Hall House, and adjourned to the Granite Block, where its sessions
were held.

The Democratic body held its sessions at the court houjse and |included
Messrs. Courtney, Day, Dusseault, Gilligan and Hogan of Silver Bow County on
certificates of election by the County Clerk, elected by the counting of the vote
of Precinct 34.

The Republican Senators, presided over by the Lieutenant Governor as presi-
dent of the senate, co-operated with the Republican House, but in the absence of
the Democratic Senators were unable to effect an organization until December
19th, but the deadlock was maintained to the end.

The controversy was carried to Washington by the election of W. F. Sanders
on January 1st, and T. C. Power on the 2nd as United States Senators by the
Republican joint assembly, and the election of W. A. Clark and Martin Maginnis
as United States Senators by the Democratic joint assembly on January 7th, 1890.
Messrs. Sanders and Power were seated on Aprii 16th.

Hon. Benjamin F. White of Dillon, Beaverhead County, succeeded Hon. P. H.
Leslie as Governor of Montana (see Vol. II. Contributions to Historical Society of
Montana, page 392) on April 9th, 1889, and held the office until Montana was ad-
mitted as a State, November Sth, 1889.

MEMBERS AND OFFICERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLIES. 291

Frederick T. Webb Chaplain

J. D. Taylor Sergeant-at-Arms

C. D. Gibbs Boor Keeper

F. W. Cochran Page

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. (Democratic.)

Robert G. Humber Deer Lodge County

Charles M. Crutchfield Deer Lodge County

Charles K. Hardenbrook Deer Lodge County

Frank Hollywood Deer I^odge County

Silvan Hughes Deer Lodge County

John R. Toole Deer Lodge County

John R. Barrows Fergus County

Charles P. Blakely Gallatin County

David P. McElwee Gallatin County

Peter Breen Jefferson County

George E. Pool Jefferson County

James C. Twohy Jefferson County

Elizur Beach Lewis and Clarke County

Alexander F. Burns Lewis and Clarke County

Harry R. Comly, Speaker pro tern Lewis and Clarke County

William Wallace, Jr Lewis and Clarke County

Patrick Carney Madison County

John A. Woodson Meagher County

Frank G. Higgins : Missoula County

•Joseph K. Clark Silver Bow County

*Thomas F. Courtney Silver Bow County

A. M. Day Silver Bow County

Alphonse M. Dusseault Silver Bow County

Henry L. Frank Silver Bow County

John W. Gilligan Silver Bow County

Joseph Hogan Silver Bow County

♦William J. Penrose Silver Bow County

Leopold F. Schmidt Silver Bow County

William C. Whaley Gallatin and Jefferson Counties (joint)

Charles Z. Pond Chief Clerk

Ed Cooney Assistant Chief Clerk

S. J. Hocking Chaplain

Vincent Fortune Engrossing Clerk

Emmet Ryan Enrolling Clerk

Miles Finlen .' Sergeant-at-Arms

W. L. Green Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms

Felix Ryan Page

Maurice Langhorne Page

E. T. Owens Day Watchman

M. F. Sherman Night Watchman

*Hen ry Warmi ngton Doorkeeper

* Deceased.

** Vacancy in district consisting of Beaverhead and Deer Dodge Counties, joint,
caused by tie vote between Frank Kennedy, Democrat, and Willard Bennett.
Republican each receiving 3,359 votes.

292 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA.

SECOND SESSION.

Held at Helena, the Capital. Convened Jan. 5th, 1891. Adjourned Mar. 5th,

1891.

Joseph K. Toole Governor, Helena

Louis Rotwitt Secretary of State, White Sulphur Springs

John E. Rickards Lieutenant Governor and President of the Senate, Butte

Harry It. Comly Speaker, Butte

SENATE.
Pist.

. 1. 'Lawrence A. Brown Beaverhead County

2 Simeon R. Buford Madison County

3. Charles W. Hoffman Gallatin County

4. Edward Cardwell Jefferson County

5. William M. Thornton, President pro tern Deer Lodge County

6. *Elmer D. Matts Missoula County

7. Cornelius Hedges Lewis and Clarke County

.8. *John W. Power Choteau County

9. "William Parberry Meagher County

10. Daniel J. Hennessy Silver Bow County

11. R. G. Redd Custer County

12. O. Fletcher GodJard Yellowstone County

13. William S. Becker Dawson County

14. Charles W. Bayliss Fergus County

15. James E. Thompson Park County

16. Paris Gibson. Cascade County

John J. Fallon Secretary

David Marks Assistant Secretary

D. B. Price Chaplain

Daniel Searles Enrolling Clerk

H. Rosenzweig Engrossing Clerk

Miles Finlen Sergeant-at-A rms

G. E. Bosworth Doorkeeper

A. G. Green Night Watchman

Eugene Dickinson Page

Henry Buford Pa^e

**Resigned February 2nd, 1891.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Robert T. Wing Beaverhead County

•Aaron C. Witter Beaverhead County

Edwin D. Hastie Cascade County

Charles Lockray : Cascade County

James M. Boardman Choteau County

•Samuel Mitchell Choteau County

Charles H. Loud Custer County

Hugh H. Moran Custer County

John W. Blair Deer Lodge County

Charles M. Crutchfield Deer Lodge County

Charles K. Hardenbrook Deer Lodge County

* Deceased.

MEMBERS AND OFFICERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLIES. 293

Frank Hollywood Deer Lodge County-
Silvan Hughes Deer Lodge County-
Robert G. Humber, Speaker pro tem Deer Lodge County

John R. Toole Deer Lodge County

John R. Barrows Fergus County

John D. Waite Fergus County

Charles P. Blakely Gallatin County

David P. McElwee Gallatin County

Peter Breen Jefferson County

George E. Pool Jefferson County

James C. Twohy Jefferson County

Elizur Beach Lewis and Clarke County

Alexander F. Burns Lewis and Clarke County

Harry R. Comly Lewis and Clarke County

David A. Cory Lewis and Clarke County

Anton M. Holter Lewis and Clarke County

John Horsky Lewis and Clarke County

Robert H. Howey Lewis and Clarke County

"William Wallace, Jr Lewis and Clarke County

Patrick Carney Madison County

Fayette Harrington Madison County

Edwin H. Goodman Meagher County

John A. Woodson Meagher County

A. S. Blake Missoula County

Thomas L. Greenough Missoula County

"William B. Harlan Missoula County

Frank G. Higgins Missoula County

*John T. Phillips Missoula County

Charles H. Eaton Park County

Charles H. Stebbins Park County

*Joseph K. Clark Silver Bow County

A. M. Day Silver Bow County

Alphonse M. Dusseault Silver Bow County

Frank H. Hoffman Silver Bow County

James H. Monteath Silver Bow County

^William J. Penrose Silver Bow County

William H. Roberts Silver Bow County

Leopold F. Schmidt Silver Bow County

*William Thompson Silver Bow County

William H. Norton Yellowstone County

**A. L. Kempland Baa verhead and Deer Lodge Counties, joint

♦Martin Newcomer Cascade and Dawson Counties, joint

William C. "Whaley Gallatin and Jefferson Counties, joint

Charles Z. Pond Chief Clerk

"W. F. Shanley Assistant Chief Clerk

S. J. Hocking Chaplain

C. F. Reardon Sergeant-at- Arms

E. Shortsleeves Assistant Sergeant-at-Anns

John Kay Engrossing Clerk

Henry Tutin Enrolling Clerk

J. M. Woodside Doorkeeper

M. Mayhe w Day Watchman

A. Estes Night Watchman

Felix Ryan Page

Alexander Goodman Page

Note— The deadlock in the House of Representatives, which continued through
the first session, was maintained until January 29th, 1S91, when a compromise was
effected with the above organization.

**Elected to fill vacancy at previous session caused by tie vote.

HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA.

THIRD SESSION.
Held at Selena, the Capital. Convened Jan. 2nd, 1S93. Adjourned Mar. 2nd,

1S93.

John E. Riokards Governor, Butte

Louis Rotwilt Secretary of State, White Sulphur Spring-;

Alexan l«i- C. Rotkin Lieutenant Governor and President of the Senate, Helena

Thomas Matthews Spea ker, l!u tte

SENATE.
Dist.

1. *George M. Brown Beaverhead County

2. Simeon R. Buford Madison County

3. Charles W. Hoffman Gallatin County

4. Edward Cardwell Jefferson County

5. Charles H. Eggleston Deer Lodge County

6. *Elmer D. Matts, President pro tern Missoula County

7. William L. Steele Lewis and Clarke County

8. *John W. Power Choteau County

9. David E. Folsom Meagher County

10. William McDermott Silver Bow County

11. Reno Swift Custer County

12. O. Fletcher Goddard Yellowstone County

13. Thomas P. Cullen Dawson County

14. Charles W. Baylies Fergus County

15. George M. Hatch Park County

16. Paris Gibson Cascade County

David Marks Seeretary

P. J. Gilligan Assistant Secretary

Joseph H. Crooker Chaplain

W. P. McAllister Enrolling Clerk

F. F. Haga n Engrossing Clerk

C. F. Riordan Sergeant-at-Arms

J. G. Simpson Assistant Sergeant-a t- Arms

R. H. Mitchell Doorkeeper

John Mcintosh Day Watchman

' W. A. Gray Night Watchman

J. H. Fulkerson Janitor

Alexander Goodman Page

Maurice Langhorne Pa ge

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

J. E. Fleming Beaverhead County

A. O. Rose Beaverhead County

D. W. Beecher Cascade County

Daniel J. Tallant Cascade County

•Thomas C. Burns Choteau County

**Eugene E. Leech Choteau County

Louis A. Hoffman Custer County

John R. McKay Custer County

Charles Bonner Deer Lodge County

**]>eceased.

MEMBERS AND OFFICERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLIES. 295

Edward Burke Deer Lodge County

Thomas D. Fitzgerald Deer Lodge County

William A. Logue Deer Lodge County

James McDonel Deer Lodge County

Edward Scharnikow Deer Lodge County

John R. Walkup Deer Dodge County

George W. Ward Deer Lodge County

♦Charles L. Coder Fergus County

Clarence M. Goodell Fergus County

James E. Martin Gallatin County

Arthur Truman Gallatin County

William H. Lockhart Jefferson County

Benjamin Wahle Jefferson County

.Harry E. G. Winter Jefferson County

Thomas C. Bach Lewis and Clarke County

Charles H. Bray Lewis and Clarke County

Alexander Burrell Lewis and Clarke County

Stephen Carpenter Lev/is and Clarke County

Anslem J. Davidson Lewis and Clarke County

Charles E. Dudley Lewis and Clarke County

Richard Lockey Lewis and Clarke County

* James H. Murphy Lewis and Clarke County

*J. B. Jeffers Madison County

♦Alexander Metzel Madison County

N. E. Benson Meagher County

W. E. Tierney Meagher County

Sidney H. Butler Missoula County

Michael Gorman Missoula County

Lyman Loring Missoula County

*Edward C. Smalley Missoula County

Thomas S. Ash Park County

Paul VanCleve Park County

Joseph Annear Silver Bow County

Absalom F. Bray. Speaker pro tern Silver Bow County

George C. Fitschen Silver Bow County

S. W. Graves Silver Bow County

Thomas S. Kilgallon Silver Bow County

David Lawrence Silver Bow County

Thomas Matthews Silver Bow County

James H. Monteath Silver Bow Coiuny

Wilbra H. Swett Silver Bow County

Frank K. Wilson < Silver Bow County

Albert L. Babcock Yellowstone County

John B. Losee Baeverhead and Deer Lodge Counties, joint

Thomas H. Lewis Cascade and Dawson Counties, joint

Henry H. Sappington Gallatin and Jefferson Counties, joint

Henry J. Meili Chief Clerk

Charles Z. Pond Assistant Chief Clerk

* Deceased.

■Mr. A. B. Hamilton presented a certificate of election, but never obtained the-
seat. Mr. Leech being admitted on January 10th, 1893. See State ex rel. Leech vs.
the Board of Canvassers of Choteau County, 13 Mont. 23.

296 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA.

S. E. Snyder Chaplain

J. A. Gilfillan Engrossing Clerk

N. H. Connolly Enrolling Clerk

Frank C. Ives Sergeant-at-Arms

W. H. Green Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms

H. C. Beecher Page

Edward Boos Page

L. R. Peck Page

Joseph Ryan Page

W. Leyshon Doorkeeper

W. H. Murray •. Day Watchman

A. F. Smith Night Watchman

B. F. Hooper Janitor

Capital vote, 1892:

Helena 14,010 Great Falls 5,042

Anaconda 10,183 Deer Lodge 983

Butte 7,752 Boulder 293

Bozeman 7,685

FOURTH SESSION.

Held at Helena, the Capital. Convened Jan. 7th, 1895. Adjourned Mar. 7th,

1895.

John E. Rickards Governor, Butte

Louis Rotwitt Secretary of State, Whi e Sulphur Springs

Alexander C. Botkin Lieutenant Govoernor and President of the Senate, Helena

"Wilbra H. Swett Speaker, Butte

SENATE.
Dist.

1. "George M. Brown Beaverhead County

2. *Alexander Metzel Madison County

3. Charles W. Hoffman Gallatin County

4. George D. Greene Jefferson County

5. Charles H. Eggleston Deer Lodge County

■6. William H. Smead Missoula County

7. William L. Steele Lewis and Clarke County

8. *John W. Power Choteau County

9. David E. Folsom, President pro tem Meagher County

10. Charles R. Leonard Silver Bow County

11. Reno Swift Custer County

12. Albert L. Babcock Yellowstone County

13. Thomas P. Cullen Dawson County

14. Edwin P. Chandler Fergus County

15. George M. Hatch Park County

16. Timothy W. Brosnan Cascade County

17. James M. Sligh 1 Granite County

18. William R. Ramsdell 2 Flathead County

19. Oliver C. Cooper 3 Ravalli County

20. Charles S. Hurd 4 Valley County

21. William K. Flowerree 5 Teton County

♦Deceased.

MEMBERS AND OFFICERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLIES. 297

Frederick H. Foster Secretary-
James B. Wells Assist a u t Secretary

Wi lliam D. Coombs Chaplain

C. E. Wight Enrolling- Clerk

Mrs. Maud Davis Baker Engrossing Clerk

E. S. Stackpole Sergeant-at-Arms

J. M. Hartley Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms

Thomas E. Amos Doorkeeper

M. E. Hotchkiss Day Watchman

Wesley Jewell Night Watchman

John W. Chandler Page

Louis Goodman Page

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

William A. Jones Beaverhead County

** Henry Knippenberg Beaverhead County

"William R. Glasscock Cascade County

* John A. Harris Cascade County

John E. Reynolds Cascade County

Daniel J. Tallant Cascade County-
Andrew H. Reser Choteau County

Sam Gordon Custer County

James S. Hopkins Custer County

■William Edwards Deer Lodge County

John B. Losee Deer Lodge County

Oliver Leiser Deer Dodge County

Joseph Marshall Deer Lodge County

George Oker Deer Lodge County

Wyllis A. Hedges Fergus County

John J. Ryan , Flathead County

William J. Sparks Fergus County

William W. Alderson Gallatin County

Walter Cooper Gallatin County

*Thoma,s J. Ly nde Gallatin County*

Willard Bennett Granite County

*Richard T. Rombauer Granite County

Charles J. Burkett Jefferson County

Albert L. Love Jefferson County

*Harry E. G. Winters Jefferson County

*Charles K. Brown Lewis and Clarke County

Arthur J. Craven Lewis and Clarke County-
Michael Corbett Lewis and Clarke County

John Horsky Lewis and Clarke County

John H. Huseby Lewis and Clarke County

Martin Mitchell Lewis and Clarke County

Joseph Oker Lewis and Clarke County

John H. Shober Lewis and Clarke County

*N. J. Isdell Madison County

Henry D. Rossiter — •. Madison County

*James T. Anderson Meagher County

Archibald E. Spriggs .' Meagher County

Elmer E. Hershey Missoula County

* Deceased.

298 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA.

A. Hollensteiner Missoula County

John R. Latimer Missoula County

■William T. Collins Park County

Allan R. Joy, Speaker pro tern Park County

William F. Meyer ' Park County

George T. Baggs Ravalli County

Joel J . Bond Ravalli County

Edwin S. Booth Silver Bow County

Edwin Bray Silver Bow County

George A. Cook Silver Bow County

Harry R. Cunningham Silver Bow County

David Lawrence Silver Bow County

Edwin H. Metcalf , Silver Bow County

James H. Monteath Silver Bow County

Howard Paschal Silver Bow County

James S. Shropshire Silver Bow County

Wilbra H. Swett Silver Bow County

Stephen Williams . Silver Bow County

John Kennedy Teton County

Christian Yegen Yellowstone County

Joseph C. Auld Custer and Dawson Counties, joint

William B. Rodgers Deer Lodge and Missoula Counties, joint

Rudolph VonTobel Fergus and Valley Counties, joint

E. W. Stetson Chief Clerk

C. D. French Assistant Chief Clerk

J. B. Mitchell Enrolling Clerk

L. E. Manning Engrossing Clerk

W. C. Shippen Chaplain

J. D. Taylor Sergeant-at-Arms

Thomas Trevaille Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms

H. J. Meyers ; Doorkeeper

J. R. Eardley Journal Clerk

G. W. Jones Day Watchman

Frank Stradling Night Watchman

B. F. Hooper Janitor

Walter Donnelly Page

James Y. Donovan Page

Lawrence R. Peck Page

Charles B. Sligh Page

Capital vote, 1894:

Helena 27,024 Anaconda 25.11S

1. Created by Act approved March 2,1893.

2. Created by Act approved February 6, 1893.

3. Created by Act approved February 16, 1893.

4. Created by Act approved February 6, 1893.

5. Created by Act approved February 7, 1893.

"Resigned- February 18th, 1895.

MK.MUKKS AND OFFICERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLIES. 299

FIFTH SESSION.

Held at Helena, the Capital. Convened Jan. 4th, 1897.

1897.

Adjourned Mar. 4th,

Robert B. Smith Governor, Helena

Thomas S. Hogan .' Secretary of State, Anaconda.

A. E. Spriggs Lieutenant Governor and President of the Senate, Townsend

J. M. Kennedy Speaker, Anaconda

SENATE.
Dist.

1. Edwin Norris Beaverhead County

2. *Alexander Metzel Madison County

3. Charles W. Hoffman, Speaker pro tern Gallatin County

4. George D. Greene Jefferson County

5. Charles H. Eggleston Deer Lodge County

6. William H. Smead Missoula County

7. William C. Riddell Lewis and Clarke County

8. *John W. Power Choteau County

9. George G. Watt : Meagher County

10. Charles R. Leonard Silver Bow County

11. John R. McKay Custer County

12. Albert L. Babcock i Yellowstone County

13. Joseph C. Auld Dawson County

14. Edwin P. Chandler Fergus County

15. William H. Campbell Park County

16. Timothy W. Brosnan Cascade County

17. "James M. Sligh (a) Granite County

18. W. R. Ramsdell (a) Flathead County

19. ***01iver C. Cooper (a) Ravalli County

20. Charles S. Hurd (a) Valley County

21. ****William K. Flowerree (a) Teton County

22. William J. Hannah 1 Sweet Grass

23. Charles C. Bowlen 2 Carbon County

~*John Bloor Secretary

H. S. Corbly Assistant Secretary

George W. Dart Enrolling Clerk

Mrs. Maud Davis Baker Assistant Enrolling Clerk

Miss Carrie Sligh Engrossing Clerk

♦Randolph Thompson Journal Clerk

* Deceased.

"Contested by Duncan Dingwall.
♦"Contested by M. L. Rickman.
""Contested by O. G. Cooper.

1. Created by Act approved March 5, 1895.

2. Created by Act approved March 4, 1895.

(a) At the Fourth Session the new counties of Flathead, Granite, Ravalli,
Teton and Valley were classified as Senatorial Districts as follows: No 17, Granite
County; No. 18, Flathead County; No. 19, Ravalli County; No. 20, Valley County;
No 21, Teton County; and under the classification made on the organization of the
Senate in 1899, the terms of Senators from the odd numbered districts should have
expired with the election of 1896, but on the above contests the sitting members
were declared entitled to their seats.

300 KISTiiKK'AT, SOCIETY OF MONTANA.

I. N. Smith Chaplain

\V. ( '. Husk I'll Sergeant-at-Arms

Daniel McKay Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms

J. R. Brvy r Doorkeeper

J. C. Sullivan Janitor

Frank Doughtetl Day Watchman

William < !a rr Night Watchman

Seth Maxwell Page

James A. Moore Page

HOUSK OF REPRESENTATIVES.

William II. Cochrane Beaverhead County

David K. Mi 'Hi n Beaverhead County

James J. Hart Car uon County

E. R. < 'a rn >l 1 Cascade County

Anthony Morion Cascade County

George O'Mally Cascade County

George H. Stanton Cascade County

Charle s F. Stork Cascade County

George B. Bourne Choteau Count-
Ben jamin D. Phillips Choteau County

Jost ph B. Brown Custer County

Henry W. Mc I n t yre Custer County

William Lindsay Dawson County

Robert G. Humber Deer Lodge County

James M. Kennedy Deer Dodge County

James E. Marcum Deer Lodge County

Dennis Shovlin Deer Lodge County

O. Y. Warren Deer Dodge County

onarles H. Pernne Fergus County

Peter W. Watkins Fergus County

Sidney H. Butler Flathead County

J. C. Edwards Flathead County

Fred Whitesides Flathead County

AY. Caldwell Gallatin County

Lyman J. Morgan Gallatin County

George L. Ramsey Gallatin County

Israel Clem. . Granite County

Thomas Cilna Granite County

**Martin Buckley Jefferson County

Marcus 1. Hewett Jefferson County

Robert Why te Jefferson County

Charles D. Greenfield Lewis and Clarke County

H. Solomon Hepner Lewis and Clarke County

Samuel W. Langhorne Lewis and Clarke County

Albert I. Loeb, Speaker pro tern Lewis and Clarke County

'James P. McCabe Lewis and Clarke County

James Owens Lewis and Clarke County

Lewis Pen well Lewis and Clarke County

William A. Clarke Madison County

Wil liam Owsley Madison County

"Deceased."

"•Expelled March 4, 1S97. for corrupt practices.

MEMBERS AND OFFICERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLIES. 301

Thomas L. Taylor Madison County

E. J. Sanford Meagher County

Charle3 A. Whipple Meagher County

Robert Hill Missoula County

Frank Longstaf f Missoula County

J. E. Power Missoula County

"William J. Stephens Missoula County

George A. Bruffey .Park County

Andrew J. Campbell Park County

William J. Kennedy Ravalli County

Edwin P. Woods Ravalli County

George F. Bartlett : Silver Bow County

Martin Dee Silver Bow County

Martin J. Elliott Silver Bow County

William J. Evans Silver Bow County

Martin D. Leehey Silver Bow County

Patrick McMahon Silver Bow County

John E. McNally Silver Bow County

Samuel Mulville Silver Bow County

Charles W. Newton Silver Bow County

David P. O'Connor Silver Bow County

William Shiffelbin Silver Bow County

Eugene Sullivan Silver Bow County

John N. Kelly Silver Bow County

•James E. Wamsley Teton County

R. X. Lewis Valley County

T. C. Armitage Yellowstone County

David Marks Chief Clerk

A. C. Logan Assistant Chief Clerk

Miss Altha Child Enrolling Clerk

John F. Mercer Engrossing Clerk

A. J. Violet Journal Clerk

B. E. H. Warren Chaplain

John H. Hall Sergeant-at-Arms

H. J. Muldoon Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms

J. Ryan Page

W. X. Flynn Page

SIXTH SESSION.

Held at Helena, the Capital. Convened Jan. 2nd, 1899. Adjourned Mir. 2nd,

1899.

Robert B. Smith Governor. Helena

Thomas S. Hogan Secretary of State, Helena

A. E. Spriggs Lieutenant Governor and President of the Senate. Townsend

Henry C. Stiff Speaker. Missoula

SENATE.
Dist.

1. Edwin Morris Beaverhead County

2. William A. Clark Madison County

3. Charles W. Hoffman Gallatin County

30: HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA.

1. David •;. Warner Jefferson County

5. Charles H. Bggleston Deer Lodge County

6. Tyler Worden Missoula County

7. William C. Riddell Lewis and Clarke County

8. Benjamin I >. Phillips Choteau County

9. Mames T. A.nderson Meagher County

10. •Thomas P. Courtney Silver Bow County

11. John K. McKay Custer County

12. C. Oscar Gruwell Yellowstone County

13. Thomas P. Cullen, Speaker pro tern Dawson County

14. Simeon S. Hobson Fergus County

15. William H. Campbell Park County

16. (Jeorge H. Stanton Cascade County

17. Jerry Connolly Granite County

18. **John H. Geiger Flathead County

19. Henry L. Meyers Ravalli County

20. Archie W. Mahon Valley County

21. Samuel L. Mitchell Teton County

22. William J. Hannah Sweet Grass County

23. Charles C. Bowlen Carbon County

24. William E. Tierney 1. Broadwater County

David P. O'Connor Secretary

T. M. Grace Assistant Secretary

M. L. Rickman Chaplain

Charles S. Dillon Engrossing Clerk

J. L. DeHart Enrolling Clerk

H. B. Hill Journal Clerk

J. W. Ponsf ord Sergeant-at- Arms

H. J. Kelly Assistant Sergeant-at- Arms

Moses Marks Doorkeeper

Conrad Bray Day Watchman

James "Woodside Night Watchman

W. H. McCann Janitor

Eugene McCarthy Page

John Wells , Page

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

David E. Metlin Beaverhead County

Goodwin T. Paul Beaverhead County

William C. E versole Broadwater County

Michael Shovlin Broadwater County

J. H. Johnson Carbon County

W. J. Bonner Cascade County

Edwin H. Cooney Cascade County

♦Robert Flynn Cascade County

James H. Gillette Cascade County

' Deceased.

1. Created by Act approved February 9, 1897.

"Hon. Fred Whiteside held the certificate of election from Flathead County and
sat from the opening of the session until January 26th, when he was unseated in
the contest of John H. Geiger vs. Fred Whiteside after a recount of the vote of
that county by the Senate.

MEMBERS AND OFFICERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLIES. 303

Patrick Kelly Cascade County

John T. Moran Choteau County

•Richard M. Sands Choteau County

G. F. Ingersoll - .,. .Custer County

Hiram R. Marcyes Custer County

William Lindsay Dawson County

Charles Boylan Deer Lodge County

John Fitzpatrick Deer Lodge County

John M. Madden Deer Lodge County

*Elmer D. Matts Deer Lodge County

John R. Toole Deer Dodge County

O. Y. Warren Deer Lodge County

Wyllis A. Hedges Fergus County

Charles C. Long Fergus County

Stephen A. Bywater Flathead County

Henry H. Garr Flathead County

A. L. Jacqueth Flathead County

James E. Martin Gallatin County

John McLeod Gallatin County

John Walsh Gallatin County

L. C. Parker Granite County

Philip G. Sullivan Granite County

Henry M. Hill Jefferson County

William H. Lockhart Jefferson County

Patrick H. Luddy Jefferson County

William G. Bennett Lewis and Clarke County

Edwin C. Day Lewis and Clarke County

William O. Hutchinson Lewis and Clarke County

Frederick W. Kuphal Lewis and Clarke County

Jesse I. Phelps Lewis and Clarke County

Henry H. Potting Lewis and Clarke County

* William J. Sweeney Lewis and Clarke County

Benjamin J. Fine Madison County

Frederick L. Gibson Madison County

William O'Brien ., Madison County

Powell Black Meagher County

Edwin V. Moore Meagher County

Henry W. McLaughlin Missoula County

William J. Stephens Missoula County

Henry C. St if f Missoula County

Arthur L. Stone Missoula County

John M. Conrow Park County

Thomas M. Swindlehurst Park County

Charles M. Crutchfleld Ravalli County

Edwin P. Woods Ravalli County

M. J. Burke Silver Bow County

Jere Clifford Silver Bow County

Miles Finlen Silver Bow County

Harry A. Gallway Silver Bow County

Cornelius F. Kelley Silver Bow County

Edwin M. Lamb, Speaker pro tern Silver Bow County

Joseph A. Lewis Silver Bow County

* Deceased.

30, HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA.

P. W. Murray Silver Bow County

♦Frank C, Xormoyle Silver Bow County

Guy W. Stapleton Silver Bow County

Richard J. Watson Silver Bow County

E. H. AYilson Silver Bow County

William \V. Beasley Sweet Grass County

George W. Magee Teton County

John L. Truscott Valley County

John D. Losekamp Yellowstone County

C. R. Craig Chief Clerk

J. M. Kennedy Assistant Chief Clerk

B. E. H. Warren Chaplain

Miss Altha Child Enrolling Clerk

Henry Miles Engrossing Clerk

Frank Longstaff Journal Clerk

Charles Wegner Sergeant-at-Arms

Charles Callahan Doorkeeper

Edward S. Bell Day Watchman

G. E. Philbin Night Watchman

Ennis Bell Janitor

Lester Booker Page

William Flynn Page

Frank Gleason Page

Thomas Hughes Page

SEVENTH SESSION.

Held at Helena, the Capital. Convened Jan. 7th, 1901. Adjourned Mar. 7th,

1901.

Joseph K. Toole Governor, Helena

George M. Hays Secretary of State, Billings

Frank G. Higgins Lieutenant Governor and President of the Senate, Missoula

•Frank E. Corbett Speaker, Butte

SENATE.
Dist.

1. James P. Murray Beaverhead County

2. William A. Clark Madison County

3. Charles W. Hoffman Gallatin County

4. David G. Warner Jefferson County

5. James M. Kennedy Deer Lodge County

6. Tyler Worden Missoula County

7. William M. Biggs Lewis and Clarke County

8. Benjamin D. Phillips Choteau County

9. **Elmer J. Anderson Meagher County

10. * Thomas F. Courtney Silver Bow County

11. Kenneth McLean Custer County

12. C. Oscar Gruwell Yellowstone County

.13. Thomas P. Cullen Dawson County

14. Simeon S. Hobson Fergus County

♦Deceased.

•"Contested by H. M. Brooke.

MEMBERS AND OFFICERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLIES. 305-

15. John M. Conrow Park County

16. George H. Stanton, President pro tem Cascade County

17. Jerry Connolly Granite County

18. John H. Geiger • Flathead County

19. Henry L. Myers Ravalli County

30. Archie W. Mahon Valley County

21. *Samuel L. Mitchell Teton County

22. J. N. Kelley Sweet Grass County

23. ***William F. Meyer Carbon County

24. William E. Tierney Broadwater County

Charles A. Whipple Secretary

E. B. Largent Assistant Secretary

Alfred Hellman Enrolling Clerk

X. K. Stout Engrossing Clerk

Dennis Wortham Journal Clerk

D. O' Leary Assistant Journal Clerk

James Jobb Sergeant-at-Arms

W. H. McCann Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms

N. J. Meyers Doorkeeper

I. N. Smith Chaplain

Martin Mulvahill Janitor

Conrad Bray Day Watchman

Charles Callahan Night Watchman

William Lynch Page

Lewis McKay Page

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Emerson Hill Beaverhead County

David E. Metlin Beaverhead County

Lloyd Cannon Broadwater County

A. B. Rosman Broadwater County

Charles H. Gregory Carbon ^ County

Charles H. Connor Cascade County

Samuel R. Jensen Cascade County

Thomas F. Richardson Cascade County

Robert P. Thoroughman Cascade County

George R. Wood Cascade County

George B. Bourne Choteau County

Jesse W. Patterson Choteau County

Edwin S. Becker Custer County

Charles D. Newberry Custer County

George McCone Dawson County

John Bielenberg Deer Lodge County

Michael Geary Deer Lodge County

John M. Madden Deer Lodge County

J. E. McDonnell Deer Lodge County

Thomas McTague Deer Lodge County

John R. Toole Deer Lodge County

Wyllis A. Hedges Fergus County

* Deceased.

♦"♦Contested by R. A. Emmons.

30fi

II ISTt'Kir \l. SOCIETY OF MONTANA.

Aiexa nder B.Lehma n Fergus County

Leo 11. Faust Flathead County

W, G. Fitzpatrlck Flathead County

B. J. Mclntire Flathead County

James B. Martin Gallatin County

TV. C. Newton Gallatin County

William A. Roland Gallatin County

Henry Lewney Granite County

Thomas F. Ward Granite County

John Berkin Jefferson County

J. B. Brein Jefferson County

A. R. McDonald Jefferson County

John Baker. Speaker pro tern Lewis and Clarke County

Herbert L#. Cram Lewis and Clarke County

Frank H. Donaldson Lewis and Clarke County

William J. Hartwig Lewis and Clarke County

Frederick S. Sanden Lewis and Clarke County

Timothy Sullivan Lewis and Clarke County

John H. Urquhart Lewis and Clarke County

E. S. Adkins Madison County

Benjamin J. Fine Madison County

George F. White Madison County

Nathan Godfrey Meagher County

Charles L. Murray Meagher County

W. M. Crawford Missoula County

Joseph M. Dixon Missoula County

Edward Don Ian Missoula County

Thomas H. Pendergrass Missoula County

Benjamin F. Myers Park County

Thomas M. Swindlehurst Park County

George T. Baggs Ravalli County

Aaron Connor Ravalli County

Frank B. Axtell Silver Bow County

*Frank E. Corbett Silver Bow County

Martin Dee. Jr Silver Bow County

Barney Ferry Silver Bow County

M. P. Gilchrist Silver Bow County

Thomas S. Kilgallon Silver Bow County

■Charles Lannin Silver Bow County

John Maginnis Silver Bow County

John Meunier Silver Bow County

Frank J. Pelletier Silver Bow County

John J. Quinn Silver Bow County

P. G. Sullivan Silver Bow County

Robert Brownlee Sweet Grass County

W. D. Jones Teton County

Walter Shanley Valley County

George C. Stull Yellowstone County

Note — Powell County created by Act aproved January 31st, 1901. On March 8th
an Act to charge the name of Poweil County to Deer Dodge County and also an
Act to change the name of Deer Lodge County to Daly County were approved.
These la.sl named Acts were declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court on
April 8th, 1901, m the case of the State ex rel Sackett, relatrix vs. Thomas, defend-
ant, 25 Mont. 226.

Note— Rosebud County created by Act approved February 11th, 1901.

MEMBERS AND OFFICERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLIES. 307

Roger E. Skelly - Chief Clerk

John Wyman Assistant Chief Clerk

D- R Price Chaplain

Joseph Gehrett Engrossing Clerk

Miss Nettie Kirkendall Enrolling Clerk

R. J. Dee Journal Clerk

Daniel McKay > Sergeant-at-Arms

Thomas Stanton Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms

T. S. Woodford Doorkeeper

R. Pierson Day Watchman

Thomas Thilbin Night Watchman

William Skelly Janitor

Elmer Brown Page

James Kennedy Page

Mary Kilgallon Page

Thomas Piercey Page

Webb Ticknor Page

Edward Waite Page

f
EIGHTH SESSION.

Held at Helena, the Capital. Convened Jan. 5th, 1903. Adjourned Mar 5th

1903.

Joseph K. Toole Governor Helena

George M. Hays Secretary of State Billings

Frank G. Higgins.... Lieutenant Governor and President of the Senate Missoula

Benjamin F. White Speaker Dillon

SENATE.
Dist.

1. James P. Murray Beaverhead County

2. Jacob Albright Madison County

3. Charles Wheeler Hoffman Gallatin County

4. Henry Lloyd Sherlock Jefferson County

5. J. M. Kennedy Deer Lodge County

6. Edward Donlan Missoula County

7. Wesley M. Biggs, President pro tern Lewis and Clarke County

8. George Blake Bourne *Choteau County

9. Elmer Jay Anderson Meagher County

10. **Daniel Tewey Silver Bow County

11. Kenneth McLean Custer County

12. Christian Yegen Yellowstone County

13. Thomas Patrick Cullen Dawson County

14. **John David Waite Fergus County

15. John M. Conrow Park County

16. Fletcher Maddox Cascade County

17. George P. Durham Granite County

18. William James Brennan Flathead County

19. Edward Anderson Johnson Ravalli County

* Spelling of Choteau County corrected to Chouteau, March 5th, 1903.

308 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA

20. Archibald W. Mahon Valley County

21. Samuel Franklin Rsilston Teton County

22. William Frederick Meyer Carbon County

James N. Kelly Sweet Grass County

24. **Charles A. Whipple Broadwater County

Carsten Conrad Kohrs Powell County

"James Skinner Hopkins Rosebud County

X. K. Stout Secretary

Chauncey B. Woodworth Assistant Secretary

L. J. Whaley Journal Clerk

Mrs. Grace Dyson '. Enrolling Clerk

Gray W. Richardson Engrossing Clerk

R. H. Clendenin Postmaster

James J. Grant Sergeant-at-Arms

Thomas Sherlock Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms

Miss E. A. Redington Bill Clerk

Rev. Walter M. Jordan Chaplain

Jdfcies Donovan, John Mickel, Edward Waite Pages

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Benjamin F. White Beaverhead County

George Woodworth Beaverhead County

Herbert Earle Johnson Broadwater County

David F. Williams Broadwater County

John N. Tolman Carbon County

Patrick Blair Buchanan Cascade County

William Henry Harrison Cascade County

Louis J. Pearson Cascade County

Charles Albert Wilson Cascade County

George Rodney Wood Cascade County

Thomas Madison Everett Choteau County

James Horton Rice Choteau County

George W. Burt Custer County

Henry N. Sykes Custer County

George McCone Dawson County

William R. Allen Deer Lodge County

Leon Edward Beaudry Deer Lodge County

Frederick Gangner Deer Lodge County

John Morrissey Deer Lodge County

Timothy -C. O'Keefe Deer Lodge County

Joseph H. Schweud Deer Lodge County

David Hilger Fergus County

Ernest W. King Fergus County

Harvey S. Cannon Flathead County

John Roland Hi'lman Flathead County

John M. Noble Flathead County

** Unsuccessfully contested.

MEMBERS AND OFFICERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLIES. 309

James E. Martin Gallatin County

Walter Henry Sales Gallatin County

Nelson Story, Jr Gallatin County

Samuel Arthur Granite County

Henry William Lehson Granite County

Timothy Priscoll Downey Jefferson County

John Flaherty Jefferson County

Duncan A. McDonald Jefferson County

Charles II. Bray Lewis and Clarke County

Fred G. Benson • Lewis and Clarke County

Oscar Monroe Lanstrum Lewis and Clarke County

Charles B. Miller Lewis and Clarke Countv

Louis Stadler Lewis and Clarke County

John Barnes Wilson Lewis and Clarke County

Charles Francis Word Lewis and Clarke County

Frank Bird Linderman Madison County

John H. Miles Madison County

Thomas Hilton Teal Madison County

Harry Joseph Giltinan Meagher County

Clarence P. Tooley Meagher County

Reuben Dwight Missoula County

Davis Graham Missoula County

Charles Milton Owen Missoula County

James Madison Self Missoula County

Charles Sumner Hefferlin Park County

Thomas Martin Swindlehurst Park County

Henry J. Faust Powell County-
Aaron Conner, Speaker pro tern Ravalli County

John Wesley Lancaster Ravalli County

William Bray Rosebud County

* Frank 3. Axtell Silver Bow County

* Charles W. Dempster Silver Bow Comity

* Lawrence Duggan Silver Bow County

* Robert William Farmer Silver Bow County

♦Louis Linnemann Silver Bow County

* James Henry Lynch Silver Bow County

* Patrick Mullins Silver Bow County

* John MacGinniss Silver Bow County

* Fred J. Pelletier Silver Bow County

'Joseph Shannon Silver Bow County

* Guy W. Stapleton Silver Bow County

* William F. Whiteley Silver Bow County

Robert Brownlee Sweet Grass County

Jonathan E. Webb Teton County

Harry A. Vagg Valley County

** Chauncey C. Bever Yellowstone County

* The seats of the Silver Bow delegation were contested and a count of the
ballots in said county was commenced by a committee of the House, but tho
contest was dropped and the sitting members confirmed in their rights
to their seats.
**The general election resulted in a tie and Mr. Bever was elected at a special
election held on December 20th, 1902

3U HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTANA.

Nathan Godfrey Chief Cleric

James A. Shoemaker Assistant Clerk

Miss Alice McDonald Enrolling Cie-k

Mrs. J. S. Keerl Engrossing Clerk

Rev. A. D. Raleigh Chaplain

Marsh Race Sergeant-at-Arms

James H. McFarland Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms

John R. Eardley Journal Cle^t

Michael Lea hey Doorkeeper

M. O. J. Arnett Janitor

N. C. Kinney Day Watchman

B. F. Hooper Night "Watchman

Guy Allen, F. Theme, I. Weise, Joseph Pierson, Thos. Donnely Pages

EIGHTH SESSION. (Extraordinary.)
Held at Helena, the Capital. Convened May 26th, 1903. Adjourned May 26th,

1903.

Joseph K. Toole Governor Helena

George M. Hays Secretary of State Billings

Frank G. Higgins Lieutenant Governor and President of the Senate Missoula

Benjamin F. White Speaker Dill )i

SENATE.
Dist.

1. *James P. Murray, president pro tern Beaverhead County

2. Jacob Albright Madison County

3. Charles Wheeler Hoffman Gallatin County

4. Henry Lloyd Sherlock Jefferson County

5. J. M. Kennedy Deer Lodge County

6. Edward Donlan Missoula County

7. Wesley M. Biggs Lewis and Clarke County

8. **George Blake Bourne Chouteau County

9. Elmer J. Anderson Meagher County

10. Daniel Tewey Silver Bow County

11. Kenneth McLean Custer County

12. Christian Yegen Yellowstone County

13. ** Thomas Patrick Cullen Dawson County

14. John David Waite Fergus O >un<-y

15. John M. Conrow Park County

16. Fletcher Maddox Cascade County

17. George P. Durham Granite Counry

18. William James Brennan Flathead Coun.y

Edward Anderson Johnson Ravalli County

Archibald W. Mahon Valley County

19.
20.

* Senator Murray, president pro tem, presided over the Senate.
** Absent.

MEMBERS AND OFFICERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLIES. 311

21. Samuel Franklin Ralston Teton County

22. William Frederick Meyer Carbon County

23. *** James W. Bailey Sweet Grass Couny

24. Charles A. Whipple Broadwater Coun*y

Carsten Conrad Kohrs Powell Counly

James Skinner Hopkins Rosebud County

X. K. Stout Secretary

Chauncey E. Woodworth Assistant Secretary

L. J. Whaley Journal Clerk

Mrs. Grace Dyson Enrolling Clerk

Gray W. Richardson Engrossing Clerk

James J. Grant Sergeant-at-Arms

Thomas Sherlock Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms

Miss E. A. Redington Bill Clerk

Rev. Walter M. Jordan Chaplain

James Donovan, John Mickel, Edward Waite Pages

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Benjamin F. White Beaverhead County

George Woodworth Beaverhead County

Herbert Earle Johnson Broadwater County

David F. Williams Broadwater County

John N. Tolman Carbon County

♦Patrick Blair Buchanan Cascade County

Louis J. Pearson Cascade County

William Henry Harrison Cascade County

Charles Albert Wilson Cascade County

George Rodney Wood Cascade County

Thomas Madison Everett Chouteau County

James Horton Rice Chouteau Couniy

George W. Burt Custer County

Henry N. Sykes Custer County

George McCone Dawson County

♦William R. Allen Deer Lodge County

Leon Edward Beaudry Deer Lodge County

Frederick Gagner Deer Lodge County

Jonn Morrissey '. Deer Lodge County

•Timothy C. O'Keefe Deer Lodge County

Joseph H. Schwend Deer Lodge County

David Hilger Fergus County

Ernest W. King Fergus County

Harvey S. Cannon Flathead County

John Roland Hilman Flathead Couny

John M. Noble Flathead County

♦James E. Martin Gallatin County

Walter Henry Sales Gallatin County

Nelson Story, Jr Gallatin County-
Samuel Arthur Granite Couniy

Henry William Leshou Granite Coamty

Timothy Driscoll Downey Jefferson County

John Flaherty Jefferson County

Duncan A. McDonald Jefferson County

♦♦♦ Elected at special election May IGth, 1903, to fill vacancy caused by resigna-
tion of J. N. Kelly.

812

HISTORICAL SOOIIOTY OF MONTANA.

Charles H. Bray Lewis and Clarke County

Fred G. Benson Lewis and Clarke County

Oscar Monroe Lanstrum Lewis and Clarke County

Charles B. Miller Lewis and Clarke County

Louis Stadler Lewis and Clarke Countv

♦John Haines Wils.m Lewis and Clarke County

Charles Francis Word Lewis and Clarke County

Frank Bird Linderman i... Madison County

John H. Miles Madison County

Thomas Hilton Teal Madison County

Harry Joseph Giltinan Meagher County

Clarence P. Tooley Meagher County

Reuben Dwight Missoula Courity

Davis Graham Missoula County

Charles Milton Owen Missoula County

James Madison Self Missoula County

Charles Sumner Hefferlin Park County

Thomas Martin Swindlehurst Park County

Henry J. Faust Powell County

Aaron Conner, Speaker pro tern Ravalli County

John Wesley Lancaster Ravalli County

William Bray Rosebud County

Frank B. Axtell Silver Bow County

Charles W. Dempster Silver Bow County

♦Lawrence Duggan Silver Bow County

Robert William Farmer Silver Bow Couni.y

Louis Lienemann Silver Bow County

James Henry Lynch Silver Bow County

*Parick Mullins ..' Silver Bow County

John MacGinniss Silver Bow County

Fred J. Pelletier Silver Bow County

Joseph Shannon Silver Bow County

*Guy W. Stapleton Silver Bow County

William F. Whiteley Silver Bow County

Robert Brownlee Sweet Grass County

Jonathan E. Webb Teton County

Harry A. Vagg Valley County

Chauncey C. Bever Yellowstone County

Nathan Godfrey Chief Clerk

James A. Shoemaker Assistant Clerk

Miss Alice McDonald Enrolling Clerk

Mrs. J. S. Keerl Engrossing Clerk

Rev. A. D. Raleigh Chaplain

Marsh Race Sergeant-at-Arms

James H. McFarland Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms

John R. Eardley Journal Clerk

Michael Leahey Doorkeeper

M. O. J. Arnett Janitor

N. C. Kinney Day Watchman

B. F. Hooper Night Watchman

Guy Allen, F. Theme, I. Weise, Joseph Pierson Pagss

♦Absent.

INDEX.

313

INDEX.

Abercrombie, 127

Absentees Board Meeting's. 10, 11. 12,
13, 14, 15, 16. 17. 19

Accession Books, IS

Accident to emigrant train. 220

Act establishing National Park, 251

Act of Congress creating Montana Ter-
ritory, 111

Adams, Tom, 21S

Adams, John, 230

Adobetown, 139

Admission as a state, 103

Adventures, 39

Age of 108 years, 230; of 97 years, 230

Agricultural College, 85, 104

Alabama. 97

Alaska, 247

Albany, N. Y., 250

Alder Gulch, 110. 156, 233, 234

Altgeld. Gov.. 254

Alzada. 76

Alleghany, 124; county, large majority
for Jackson, 237

Allen, Major, 12

American cattle. 203

American Pork, 218

American Fur Company, 232. 234; Ex-
press Boat, 212

American Mares. 204, 220

American National Bank. 153

American Thermopylae, 276

Anaconda Copper Mining Company, 252

Anaconda Standard, 234

Anarchy, 143

Anderson, Resin. 209, 218, 219

Anglo-Saxon. 88

Annexation, 252

Annual Mineral Product Montana, 85

Antelope, 207

Appointed Librarian, Harry Wheeler,
22

Appointive Offices, where, 52

Apoplectic stroke. 234

April 1875. 227; April 1877. 277; April
1859. 233

Appropriation for Capitol Building,1 67

Appropriations, 16

Architects. 51

Arctic Ocean, 125

Argonauts of America, 92

Arkansas, 131

Armistead, Anna Seldon, 242

Army of the Potomac, 264

Arnold, A. J., 161, 167, 170, 183, 184, 186

Art Metal Construction Company, 59

Arapahoe County, Kan., 233; Arapa-

hoes, 263
Arrival of first Indian Agent, 232
Assay Office U. S., 251
Atchison. Mo., 214
Attack on Cowan's Party, 170
Attack of the Seventh Cavalry, 265
Auditor's Office. 53
August, 185. 212. 220. 224; Aug. 23, 1866,

233; August 14, 1892, 234
Aurora. Nevada, 244
Austin, Nevada. 244
Autumn of 1859, 217; of 1853, 244; of

1861, 250
Avant Courier, 287
Bach. T. C. 10. 118
Bagdad, 139

Baltimore. 229; Lord Baltimore, 249
Bandit, 129
Bannack (Bannock). 99, 112, 113, 116,

209, 226
Bannack (Bannock) Indians. 168, 174,

186, 207. 223
Barret, A. H., 33
Battle of Big Hole, 246
Bayard. Sec. State, U. S., 62
Bayou Leche. 231
Beach, Elizur, 50. 68, 154
Beads, 223
Bear, Mouth of. 226
Bear Tooth. 241
Beartown, 139

Beaver. 240: Beaver Skin. 233
Beaverhead. 127. 206. 210; county. 116
Beavertown. 139
Beef cattle. 215
Behring Straits, 125
Bell, C. E., 51
Bell & Kent, 70

314

INDEX.

Bellows. Mahalah, 188

Benham, Col. 1 ». W., 284

Benteen, Capt. 265, 279

Benton coach, 240

Benton. Fort, 15. 225. See Forts.

Bernheisel, (Bernhisel), 199, 200

Biennial Report. L. E. Howey, Lib. 10.

17; Printing of. 11, 16
Big- Blackfoot. 211
Big Chief (Oldham). 166
Big Hole. 159, 173; Big Hole valley, 209,

221; river. 221
Big Horn, 127, 132; Big Horn county,

116; river, 260. 27S; Mountains, 274
Big Prickly Pear, 238
Bier Sandy, 230
Bis: Village of the Sioux, 262
Billings Times, 284
Bi-Metallic Mine. 235; Union, 253
Binding newspapers, 11
Bird, Mrs. Cowan's horse, 161
Bird Tail Rock, 225
Bishop of Misouri, 42
Bismarck, 278
Bissell, Dr. G. G., Ill
Bitter Creek, 127

Bitter Root flower, 22; Bitter Root Val-
ley, 61. 82, 202, 206, 212, 224, 227
Bitter Root, 209
Blackbird Ripple, 241
Blackfeet. 206. 213; Blackfeet Indians,

211. 212. 263
Blackfoot country, 244; Blackfoot, 245
Blackfoot. Little, 207; Big Blackfoot,

211
Black Hills. 166; Black Hills country,

232; Expedition, 278
Black Tail Deer Creek, 209; Black Tail

Deer, 240
Blaine, James G., 24, 63
Blake, A. S., 225
Blake, Henry N., 118, 120
Blenkinsop, 212
Jame Mountains, 203
Blue ribbon, 230
Boardman, Wm. T., 33
Board Trustees Historical society, 1886,

233
Boat of Missouri River Party, 237; Boat

of peculiar make, 219
Boise, Idaho, 252
Boise, Basin, 127

Book written by Wm. Clagett, 253
Bonds sold, 51

Bonenfant, Napoleon, 222; 223
Bonner's Ferry, 244
Bonnerville, 81

Boston, 125

Bostwick, 217

Bosworth, Dr., 247

Botany Bay, 126

Bottler Ranch, 179, 183

Boulder City, 233, 234, 235, 236

Boundary of Capitol Grounds, 50

Boundary disputes, 124

Bozeman, 14, 85, 176, 179, 180, 183, 194

Brackett, Wm. S., 259

Brantly. Theo., 33, 109

Brass kettles, 174

Brazos river, 243

Breut. Capt. Q. M., 202

Bridger, Jim, 64, 209

British Columbia, 244

British Government, 198

British soil, 123

Broadwater, Col., 28R

Brooke, Dr. B. C, 248

Brooks, Justice, 225

Brooks, (horse), 206, 208

Brown, Gen. Jacob, 188

Browning, 22

Bryan for President, 253; Bryan Ban-
quet, 254

Bryant, 80

Buck, Judge, 120

Bucks, 222

Buffalo, chase, 63; Last of, 64; Buffalo,
white, 213; thousands of, 261

Bugle calls, 278

Burdette, 81

Burlington. Vt, 197, 198

Burnt Fork. 227

Burrows (Burrough) Brothers, 20

Burr, Fred, 225

Business Mens' Association, Helena, 70

Butler, C. W., 33

Butte, 12, 20, 85, 228, 252

Butter, 189

Cable City, 139, 226

Cache Le Poudre, 127

Cactus, 125

Calfee, 179

California, 82, 127, 202, 215, 216, 247, 250;
Mining Excitement, 243

Calloway, Lew, 33

Camas Creek, 174; Camas Root, 180

Camp Baker, 240, 285

Campaign of 1860, 252

Camps of Sioux, 259

Campbell, Thomas, 217

Canada, 197, 198, 214, 226, 227

Canadian, 222; Trappers, 82; Rebellion,
197

Cancer, 190

INDEX.

315

Candidate U. S. Senator, Idaho, 253
Cannon, six pounder, 231; Cannon Ball

River, 232
Capitol Building-, new rooms, 11, 18, 23,
47, 50

Capitol Commission. 68, 75. See State

Captain of steamboats, 233, 235

Caricature, 125

Carolina Poplars, 1?0

Carroll, Matthew, 14. 139, 214. 286

Carpenter, Frank, 161

Carsley, Mr. George, 11

Carson City, Nevada. 250

Cascade, 190; Cascades, 201

Cassette, 225

Castle Geyser, 165

Catholic Priest, 211

Cattle, 201

Cavalry, fifteen companies, four com-
panies, twelve companies, 260

Caven, J. B., Ill

Cayuse county, 202

Cedar Rapids, 131

Cemeteries Prolonged, 132

Centennial Tear, 259

Central City, 114

Chairman state bdards, 106

Chairmen Capitol Commission. 50

Chamberlain, 114

Chappie, Henry, 33

Chase of the Buffalo, 63

Cherry Creek, Col., 233

Cheyennes, 100, 261

Chicago, 111., 150, 246, 253

Chickens, 224

Chief Gall, 270

Chief Joseph. 168. 172, 180, 227

Chippewa, steamer, 219, 224

Cholera year, 230

Chouteau, C. P., 15, 60

Chouteau county, 116

Christian, 159; Christian resignation,
230

Cincinnati. O.. 230, 231
tCincinnatus, 104

Cinnabar, 158

Citizens, 232

Civil War, 204

Clagett, Wm. H. ("Billy"), 249; children
of, 254; description of, 254; Eulogy
of, 255, 256; Thos., 249; George, 250;
Grace, 254

Claggett, (Tory Branch), 249

Clark, W. A., Senator U. S., 20, 77

Clark, Malcolm, 212

Cleveland, Grover, 23, 62

Coach, Old fashioned yellow, 216

Coat of Arms. 145
Coburn, John, 118

Code, date of adoption, 106; Bannack
code, 115

Coeur d'Alene Mining Stampede, 252

Coffee, 186, 278

Coffin, 230

Coinage, Free Silver, 253

Colfax, Wash.. 254

Color scheme of capitol, 55

Colorado, 127

Columbia River. 40, 123, 127, 201, 202,
211, 232

Columbian Exposition, 246

Columbus Sand Stone, 51

Colwell's Ranch. 206

Comanche, horse. 282

Commission, 227

Committees Board of Trustees, 11, 12,
13, 16, 20

Companies of, boys for Jackson Cam-
paign, 236

Comly, Harry R., (Helena), 237, 291, 292

Conditions of Society, 128

Confiscation, 198

Conger. Everton J., 118

Congress, 215

Conquest, 140

"Constitution" Newspaper, 249

Constitution of Montana, 23

Constitutional convention of Idaho, 253

Constitutional Convention, 84, 103

Contois. Dave, 218

Cook, Lieut., 264

Cordelle, 233

Corn, 191

Corner stone, 32

Corvallis, 206

Cost of binding, 14

Cost of building 60; contract let, 70

Cotton trade, 231

Cottonwood, 218, 225

Council Bluffs, 214, 219

Councilman, 227

Counties comprising Teritorial Court
Districts, 116

County, Henry, Ills., 188

County, Jefferson, N. Y., 188

Court House, Pittsburgh, Pa., 236

Court of Mars, 100

Courts Organized, 112; Where held, 116

Cowan, Mrs. Geo. F., 156

Cowan, Mr. Geo., 167, 170, 184, 185

Cow boy, 64

Craven, Arthur J., 10, 11

Crazy Horse, 259

316

INDEX.

I !rew of fifty men, 231

Crittenden, Lieut., monument of, 271

Crook. Gen. Geo., 260

Crosby, John Schuyler, Gov., 101

Crow Indians. 180. 190. 199; Scouts, 262.
286

Cruse, Thomas. 51, 70, 76

Cuba, 28

Culbertson. Major, 15

Cummings. T. C. 19

Curlew Mine, 225

Current of Missouri river, 238

Curtis. Q. M. Sergeant, 279

Custer Battle, 61

Custer. Capt. Tom, 264

Custer's Attack. 265; Work. 276; Cus-
ter's Orders to Benteen. 266; Cus-
ter's estimate of warriors, 260, 261,
262, 263; orders, 278

Custer's Message to Benteen and Mc-
Dougal. 280

Custer's Last Battle and Death, 269

Dakota Territory, 277

Dalles of the Columbia River, 201, 217

Dance, 226

Dante's Inferno, 185

Date of acceptance of capitol building
from contractors, 71

Date of admission, 23

Date of enabling act, 23

Date of establishment of St. Mary's
Mission, 82

Date of Laying Corner Stone, 54

Date of organization of Montana Ter-
ritory, 111

Dates in Maillet's life, 1864-71, 226

Davidson, A. J., 33

Davis, Hauser & Stuart. 228

Dawson, Andrew, 50, 219

Day, Edward C, 33, 34

Dayton, Wm. L., 125

Dayton, Nevada, 250

Deadlock, First State Legislative As-
sembly, 104

Deadwood, Dakota, 252

Deaf and Dumb School, 105

Dearborn Crossing, 220

Dearborn River, 239

Death of Maillet's parents, 227

Death of Wm. Henry Parkison, 234

December, 210, Dec. 1S85, 228; Dec. 1842,
231; Dec. 1898, 249

Decorators, 54

Dedication ceremonies, 49; Date of, 66

Deer, 214

Deer Lodge, 74, 208; City, 218, 226, 245,
251, 252

I>cor Lodge county, 116, 117, 223, 244.

245
Deer Lodge Divide, 208
Deer Lodge Valley, 217, 224, 225, 228
Deer Skin, 233
Defeat of the Sioux, 287
Delaware, 104. 107
Delegates in Congress, 23, 62, 249; on

Republican Ticket, 252
Delphic Oracle, 143
Demers, Louis, 218
Democrats, 236

Dempsey, Robert, 203, 205, 208, 225
Denison House, Pittsburgh, 236
Densely timbered country, 211
Denver, Col., 233, 234, 252
Denver, Governor, 233
Deposits in corner stone of Capitol, 35,

36, 37
Description capitol building, 51
Description Rocky Mountain country.

125, 126
Description Senate, 58
Description society in 1S62-63, 128
Deserted towns, 231
De Smet, 42, 82

Deserts, 125; Desert of Sahara, 126
DeWitt, Judge, 120
De Wolfe, Stephen, 118
Diamond City, 116
Dietrich, 179
Dimsdale, Thos., 42, 112
Dingee, 161, 170
Discoverer of Hot Springs near Helena,

234
Distillers, 230

Distinguished Sons of Montana, 249
Distribution Vol. 3, 17
Districts, Judicial, 112
Divide Great, 97
Divide Neck, 223
Division of Custer's Men into four

companies, 279
Dixon, W. W., 249
Doane, Lieut., 180
Document of great value, 284
Dome Capitol, 57
Donaldson, Lewis, 232
Donovan, Attorney-General, 59
Douglas Campaign, 250
Doten, Lizzie, 195
Dress of Seventh Cavalry, 264
Dresses, Hoop Skirt, 214
Dubois, 253
Dunlevy, J. A., 237
Dust, 125
Duties of Chief Executive, 106

INDEX.

317

East, 227

East Gallatin River, 193

Eaves, Lucien, 243

■"Echo" Steamboat, New Orleans Battle
ground, 237

Edgar, Henry, 65, 111

Edgerton, Sidney, 99; Gov., 227

Edgerton county, (now Lewis and
Clarke), 116

Edmunds, Bill, 251

Election Librarian, 12; Election Secre-
tary, 13; Election of Officers, 11, 19

Election of Jackson, 236

Electric Lights, 54

Elk City, 225, 226

Elk in great numbers, 261; Elk skins,
233

Ellis, Fort, 184

Ellsworth town, 220

Elms, 150

Empire, 124

Emigrant road, 217; wagon, 219

Emigration, 232

Enabling Act, 62

Ennis, 161

England, 126, 212 ;England. compari-
son, 96

Episcopal church, 22, 247

Esmeralda, Rich mine discovered at,
244

Estimates Vol. 3, publication, 16

Eternal silence, 123

Eulogy of Supreme Court, 121

Eulogy of Dr. Mitchell, 247

Everett, Edward, 125

Executive department, 98

Expense account, 19

Fairweather, 110

"'Far West," steamboat, 282

February, 211; Feb. 1862, 224; Feb. 1864,
226; Feb. 1866, 227; Feb. 1890, 228;
Feb. 1814, 229. 234; Feb. 1829, 236

Fergus, Mrs., 14, 188; James Fergus,
83, 188; Death, 190

Ferril, 180

Fifth Legislative Assembly, 68

"54-40 or fight." 124

Fifth Street, Pittsburgh, 236

Final Report State Capitol Commission,
149

Financial Statement, 19

Fire Hole River, 163, 167

Fires, 278

First Crop Raised in Colorado, 233

First Court Organized, 111

First Cholera Tear, 230

First Cyclone, 231

First Governor of Montana, 99

First Glimpse of the Rockies, 62

First Indian Agent, 232

First Legislative Assembly, 67, 99, 104,

111, 144
First Montana Regiment, 28, 87, 105
First Steamboat, 230
First Water Company in Helena, 235
First Wedding of White People, 224
First White Child Born in Gallatin

Valley, 194
First White Woman, 206
Fisher, 186

Fitzwilliams, Earl, 202
Flag Ship "Magnolia," 236
Flat Boat, 230
Flatheads, 190, 205, 210; Flathead river,

211
Flint Creek, 207; Flint Creek Mills, 226
Flour, 167; Flour famine, 193; Famine

at Denver, Col., 225
Flour, cargo of, 226, 230
Folsom, David, 51, 68
Forbis, James, 12; Major, 226
Forest Ranch, 221
Forestvale cemetery, 22
Forsythe. Capt. Wm., 230
Fort Abraham Lincoln. N. D., 260, 278
Fort Benton, 211, 212, 214, 219, 232. 234.

237
Fort Berthold, 214
Fort Bridger, 208
Fort Clark. Old, 232
Fort Colville. 204, 211, 212
Fort Drum, 201
Fort Ellis, Montana. 260
Fort Hall, 200, 202, 205
Fort Hodgkiss, 214
Fort Kearney, 165
Fort Maginnis. 189
Fort Owen, 207, 208. 224
Fort Rice, 277
Fort Shaw, 191, 240, 285
Fort Union. 218 219. 232
Fort Vancouver, 200, 201, 202. 212
Foster, Lee W., 227, 228
Fountain Geyser, 165
Fourth Legislative Assembly, 67
Fourth of July 1826, 230
Fox, J. M. Dr., 51, 68, 154
France, 197; comparison with Montana,

96
Frank, H. L, 51, 151
Fraser river. 217. 244
Frauds in Indian Service. 252
Free Silver Coinage. 233
Fredericksburgh. 100
Fremont. John C 126
French Gulch, 226

318

INDEX.

French Language, 200

French Town. 224

Fresno, Cal., 244

Friday, 234

Fry, Gen. J. B., 266

Furs. 233; Fur Trade. 232

Galbraith. Wm J.. 118

Galbraith's Ferry, 244

Gallatin. Albert, steamboat, 231

Gallatin county 116; Gallatin City, 116

Gallatin Valley, 194

Galveston. Texas. 231. 243

Game Preserves. 126

Gate of the Mountains. 63; Gates of the

Mountains, 92
Gatling Guns. 260
Gauntlet. 230
Gavel. Masonic. 34
Geese, 240
Geneva, 139
Gentiles. 208
Geographers, 123

Geographical or District Unit, 144
Georgetown, 139
German Gulch. 226
Giantess. 1(T5

Gibbon. Gen. John. 245. 260, 278
Gibbon River. 163. 164
Gibson, Hon. Paris, 48, 89
Gibson's Ferry, 240
Giddings. Annie, 112
Gilbert. Henry, 215

Gilpatrick. S. C. 19. 20; Mrs. S. C, 188
Gingerbread. 236
Girouard Family. 198
Godfrey. Major E. S.. 267
Gold Creek. 218. 224. 225, 226
Gold Discovery. 110: Need of gold, 127
Gold Mining. 82; Need of, 127
Gold Quartz. 232
Goodwin. Frank. 218
Goose Creek. 215
Gould. Chas. H.. 33
Gourley, James, 14
Governor. 11; Governor's office. 52
Governors. Karly. 100. 101, 102
Government goods. 215
Governmental Mail. 131
Glade Pike Road. 229
Grand. 165
Grandfather. 230
Grand Lodge, 33
Grand Rapids, Mich., 59
Grand Ronde, 203
Granite Mountain Mine, 235
Grant. U. S., 100. 143, 194
Grant. Capt.. 200. 207, 217; removal, 210
Grant Creek. 224

Grant, James, 210; Richard, 200

Grant, John, 200, 203, 205, 207, 215, 217,

224, 225
Grasshopper Creek, 209; Gulch, 226
Grasshopper Raid, 160
Grass Valley, 206, 211, 212
Gray, Prof., 247
"Greasy Grass," 263
Great American Desert, 82
Great Britain, 124
Great Canyons of the Missouri, 241
Great Father, 232
Great Northern Express. 20
Great Northern Railroad Survey, 22
Great River, 127
Great West. 198

Grecian Ionic style, building, 51
Greenough, T. L.. 50. 68, 154
Green river. 212, 220; Green River

Snake Indians, 214
Grist Mill. 227
Guides. 232

Gulf of Mexico. 80, 231
Half Breed Rapids, 241
Hall, 216

Hamilton. Wm.. 15, 16
Ham's Fork, Green River, 212, 215, 220.

224
Harbor. 125
Harold. Jasper, 244
Harrison. Benj.. 23, 63; Gen.. 230
Hart, Mary E., 250
Harwood, Judge. 120
Hathaway, James W., 33
Hauser, Gov.. 102
Hawkins, Mary E., 192
Hayden. Dr.. 232
Hays. Geo., Sec. State. 59, 75
Hedges, Cornelius, Sr„ 22, 23. 37. 233,

236, 259
Heitfeldt. 253

Helena, 67. 70. 114, 161, 189, 194, 233,

237. 240. 250. 251

Helena became the capitol, 117

Helena Herald, 195. 235; Independent,

287
Hell Gate, 139, 206, 219, 220, 224, 226
Hell Gate Canyon, 210, 211, 217
Hennessy Mercantile Company, 59
Henry Lake, 157, 161; Source of Snake

River, 162
Hepner, H. S., 33
Herculean, 127
Hickman, Mr., 14
Hickory Broom, 236
Higgins, 219; Capt. Higgins, 225
High School, 21
Highland, 139

INDEX.

319

Historic Painting's, 11, 58, 59, 60, 65

Jackson, Pres. Campaign, 236

Historical Society, where, 52, 83

Jacobs, John, 209

Hog- raising, 227

Janrez, 131

Holter, Anton M., 237

January, 1858, 211; Jan. 1839.

231;

Jan.

Home, 138

1865, 233; Jan. 1875, Jan. 1841,

237

Horse Plains, 211; Horse flesh eaten

207

Jeixerson, Thos., 60, 230

Horses and hunters, 232

Jefferson county, Mont., 235

Hosmer, H. L., 112, 118; Mrs. Hosmer,

Jefferson county, 116

194

Jefferson county, Ky., 242

Hotel Broadwater, Helena, 234

Jefferson College, Louisville.

243

Hough, 42

Jesuit Relations, 20; Fathers

61;

Mis-

House Representatives, 54

sionaries, 80; Priest, 244

Houston, Sam, Pres. Texas, 231

Jocko, 205, 211

Howard, Gen., 168, 178, 182, 183; How-

Johnny (Johnnie) Grant, 217

ard's scouts, 186

Johnson, Col., 208

Howey, Laura E., Editor Vols. Ill

and

Johnson. Anderson, 232

IV.. 233

Joseph, Nez Perce chief, 227

Hudson's Bay Company, 200. 206, 211

Joint Councilman, 245

Hughes. Lucy, 242; Maj. John, 243

Joullin, Amedee, 58

Ann Meriweather, 243

Journals, etc., 13

Humbolt Co., Nevada, 250

Judge of District Court, 250

Hundley, Wm. B„ 10-20

Judith River, 212; Mountains.

189

Hunt, Wm., 120

July 1858. 1859. 215; 4th, 1859,

215

July

Idaho, 82. Ill, 123; City, 244; Constitu-

1864. 233; July 20, 1826,

230;

July

tion, 251

1897, 247

Idaho U. S. Senator, 252

June, 132, 225, 232; June 22,

1876

262;

Illinois, 253

June 21. 1876. June 24, 1876

, 263

■

Imbibers, 230

Kanipe, Daniel A., 277

Imperial, steamboat, 251

Kannakee, 211

Independence, 132

Kansas, 132; Kansas City,

Mo.,

233;

Independent, Helena, 181

Kansas Territory, 233

independent Extra, 181

Kennedy, E. B., Sec. Capitol

Commls-

Indian — Agent, 205; attacks, 157,

189,

sion, 149, 154

216; band. 232; camp, 279; chief

64,

Kent, J. H, 51

203; Crow Indians, 190; curios,

12;

Kentucky. 107, 230, 242

guide and herder, 212; ponies,

263;

Keogh, Capt. Myles W., 264

scout and leader, 12; scouts, forty,

Keokuk, Iowa, 249

260; Story Land, 261; trappers,

126;

Kincald, 209

tribes, 129; wars, 44, 61, 63; women,

Kingcraft, 122

218

Kiowas, 261

Indians 500. 223, 230; drunk, 222

; in

Knowles, Hiram, 117, 118

North America, 259

Kohrs, Con, 225

Indies, wealth of, 125

Kootenai, 207; Kootenai District,

B. C,

Infantry, five companies, 260; six com-

244

panies, 260

Koriaka defile, 211

In Memoriam, 21

Laborers, forty-eight, 233

Insurance, library, 20

Lack of Mail In Montana, 217

Inter Mountain, Butte, 234

La Fitte, pirate, 231

Interpreter, 175, 212

LaGrange, 243

Iowa, 189

Lake of the Woods, 81

Irrigation Act, 96

Lander, Col., 204, 214

Irvine, Caleb, 203 205, 207; Thos.

H.,

Lander Road, 127

246; Mary Ellen, 246

Land Grant to Montana, 67

Irving, Washington, 64, 80, 126

Langford, N. P., 112

Isthmus, 250

Langhorne, S. W.. 33, 182

Jackson, 207

Lansdale, Dr., 205, 211

Jackson. Gen., last visit to New

Or-

Laramies, 127

leans, 237

Largest Body of Indian Warriors,

262

320

INDEX.

LaRoque, Bishop, 227

Last Chance Gulch. 189; Last Chance,
233 x

Latitude. 42nd parallel, 124; 49 degrees,
124

Lavatta, Thos. 218

Law Library, 33, 57; Law Libraries, 113

Laws of Idaho a guide in Montana, 113

Laying the corner stone of the capltol,
23

Leader of men, 254

Leavitt (Levitt). Dr. E. D.. 24S

Legislative Assembly, 67; Eulogy, 90

Legislative Enactment, Lack of. 129

Legislative History. Lack of, 129

Legris (a Canadian). 217

Lemhi, 205, 209

Leonidas. 276

Leslie. Gov. Preston H., 103

Letter for Maillet. 209

Levee, 231

Levitre, Henrietta and John, 227

Lewis and Clark, 61, 81

Librarian, 10, 12. 19, 20

Library, Historical, 10, 52, 55

Liddell, Moses J„ 118

List of dead of Custer's command, 285
'List of Officers of Masonic Lodge, 23

List of Judges. 118

Little, Rev. Job H., 33

Little Big Horn river, 260. 263

Little Blackfoot. 217, 218, 224, 225

Little Deer Lodge, 223

Little Falls, 1SS. 190

Little "Wolf, 222

Livingston, 60. 209

Lo, the poor Indian. 169

Location of officers in Capitol Build-
ing, 52

Lockey Ave., 150

Logrolling, 144

Logrolling court. 116

Long Divide. 160

Longfellow, 80. 276

Lost Chapter of History, 136

Lost Cities, 139

Louis XIV, 80

Louisiana, 231; Purchase, 60, 80

Louisville, Ky.. 230. 231, 243

Louisville Journal, 126

Love, Rev. W. W., 22

Lower Basin, 163

Lower Geyser Basin, 161

Lyman, Lorenzo Branch, 193; Mrs. L.
B., 192

Lyman. H. B., 194

Lynching, 251

Lyons. 197

Lyons, Capt., 220

MacDonald, Angus, (McDonald), 204

Mackinaw, 233

MacKinley, Allen & Co., 201

Madison county, 116, 215

Madison River, 161; Farming, 163

Magazines, 14

Maginnis, Major, 13, 14

"Magnolia" steamboat, New Orleans

Battleground, 237
Maillet, 205, 207, 210, 213, 214,*221, 222,

223, 224, 226; marriage. 227; removing-

Grant to Flathead, 210; death of

wife, 228; councilman, 227
Maillet, Jean Baptist, 197; death of, 198
Maillet, Louis R., 197, 200, 201, 204;

Louis Henry, 227
Maillet, Herbert Albinus, 227
Maillet, Claudie. 227; May Eugenia

Stella, 228
Major under Gen. Harrison, 230
Malcolm Clark Ranch. 189
Mammoth Hot Springs. 158, 176
Mann, 160
Manuscripts, 13. 14; Purchase of, 15;

Typewriting, 16
Map of Black Hills Section, 278
Marbois. 60
March, 211; March 1861, 219; March 25,

219; March 1878, 223; March 1876, 227;

March 13, 225; March 1866. 250
Marchesseau, 228
Marion, N. C, 277
Mars, 43

Marshall. Col. Humphrey, 243
Martin, Peter, 213, 217
Mary's Lake, 167
Maryland. 249, 253
Mass of Indians. 247
Massachusetts, 107
Mastoiditis, 247
Maupin. Dr. Ira B., 248
May 1864. 226; May 1890, 228; May 1S64,

233; May 1865. 244
Maysville, Kentucky, 231
McArthur, Neil, 200, 201, McArthur, 212,

217
McCarty Mountain Springs, 210
McCleary, James H, 118
McClellan's Gulch, 244
McClure, C. D., 235
McConnell, 118
McDougal, Capt., 279
McDuffie, George, 125
McHaffie, 15

McNamee, Rev. J. F., 34
McQuaid, Hugh. 287
Meagher, Thos. F„ 100

INDEX.

321

Meagher county, 116

"Meat Strait" Winter, 193

Medal of Honor, 247

Medicine Man, 259

Meeks, Jake, 209

Meininger, James. 218; Death of, 220;
Marriage of widow, 224

Melrose. 207, 221

Mellen. Mr., 225, 226

Members Capitol Commission. 50

Memorial Funeral. 230; of Jefferson
and Adams, 230

Mexico, 124, 131, 244; Mexican, 213. 218;
Mexican War, 231, 243

Michigan University, 22

Miles, Gen., 287

Military reserve, 201

Militia ten thousand, 1794, 229

Mill, 227

Mills, Capt. James, 242

Miller, Henry, 205

Miller's History of Montana. 243

Milot, H. A., 220

Milk river, 219, 226; twenty miles of,
232

Mineral collection, 11

Mining Law of 1872, 251

Minnesota, 123, 127, 190

Minutes, 10-20

Missions, 123

Mississippi River. 80, 124, 189, 231, 234

Missoula county, 116

Missouri River, 40. 44, 80, 81, 125, 126,
127, 190, 219. 231. 234, 235, 237, 239,
251; state, 107, 132

Mitchell, Dr. A. H, 242; educated, 243;
enlisted in Mexican war, 243; gradu-
ated. 243; went to Cal.. 243, 244;
elected to Cal. Legislature, 244; min-
ing and cattle, 244; original discov-
erer of rich mine. 244; located in Hel-
ena, 244; elected to Territorial legis-
lature, Dem. ticket, 245; Commis-
sioner World's Col. Ex.. 246; buried
with Masonic honors, 247; date of
death, 247

Mitchell, Capt. Robert, 242; William
Daunton, 242, 243

Mitchell and Musigbrod, 245

Moale, Henry, Baltimore, 285

Mob, 249

Moline, Ills., 1SS, 190

Monida, 76, 101

Monongahela, 230; Whiskey brand, 230;
city, 230

Monroe, 60

Moose Creek, 221

Montana, 14, 15, 23, 40, 41, 123, 132, 193,

233, 252, 259
Montana Climate, 241; Pioneer, 234;

trees, 50
Montana Building Commission, 51
Montana Civil Engineers. 22
Montana Vigilantes, 215
Montana when organized as a territory

98
Montanians, 251
Montreal. 197
Morgan, Senator. 97
Mormons, 202. 208. 210, 212; Mormon

church, 251
Morris. Moses. 33
Morton, Senator of Indiana, 250
Mountain ^heep, 240. 261
Mud Creek. 279
Mule Teams, 233
Mulky. Henry, 198
Mullan. Capt., 225
Mullan Road. 127. 232
Munson. L. E.. 112. 114. 116. 117
Murat of the American Army, 261
Murphy, J. A.. 51
Murphy. John L. 118
Murphy Wagons. 210
Musselshell county. 116; Musselshell,

228
Muth. Wm.. 13
Myers. 161
Nachitoche. 231
Names of War Chiefs in Custer Battle,

262
Names of Officers in Custer's Battalion,

271
Names of Benteen's Commanders, 274
Names of Cowan party, 161
Naming of Denver City, 233
Nashville. 236
Natchez. 231

National Bank of Montana, 153
Nebraska. 132
Nelson's Gulch. 62
Nevada City. 139; Nevada Territorial

House of Representatives, 250
Neville Family, 243
New England, 124, 188
New North West, 15
New Orleans. 231, 235
Newport. 135
New Quarters, 11
Newspapers bound. 14
New Year's Day, 1857, 206
New York, 107, 188, 212; New York City,

254

322

INDEX.

NVz Perce. 86; camp. 177; Indians, 159,

ISO. 212; raid. 166; squaw, 174; trail,

127: War. 24S
NVz Perces. 221, 222
Night Cap, 238
Normal school, 104
North Dakota. 259
Northern Pacific R. R.. 278
Note Book of Gen. Gihhon. 284
Notre Dame Chapel. 227
November. 132; Nov. 1878, 241; Nov.

1S78. 237
N. P. Express, 20
N. P. Railway, 58
October. 214. 217; October 1864, 233;

October 1831. 242
Officers Historical Library, 10, 11
Ogden. Michael, 211
Ogden. 205
Ohio. 107; River. 231
O'Keefe, Baron, 211
"Old Bourbon Whiskey," 230
Oldham. J. A., 161, 186
Oldham county, Ky.. 243
Olympian Utterances, 143
Omaha. 132, 188
O'Neil. Hugh. 208, 209
Oregon. 80. 82. 123, 127, 131, 201, 226,

244; Steamer. 215
Organic Act, 112
Oro Y Plata. 25
Orofino Gulch, 226
Orphans' Home. 105
Otter Skin, 233
Owen. Garry, 265
Owen. Major John, 212
Owner, 233
Ox Train, 226
Oxen, four yoke, 220
Placer Mining. 252; Placers, rich, 244
Plans for Capitol Grounds, 150
Plante. Antoine, 212
Planter's House, 113
Plaquemine, 231
Platte River, 127, 132
Plentywood, 76
Plummer, Henry, 111, 226
Poirier, Antoine, 210
Poker Joe, 169. 171, 174
Pollard, Chas. R., 118
Polloche, Paul, 213
Polygamy, 251
Pomeroy, Chas. 33, 37
Populist Party, 253
Portland. Ore., 202, 204, 217, 252
Portage, 201
Port Neuf, 205
Portraits, 55

I 'ortuguese, 210
• Posts, 233; Trading, 123

Potts, Benj. P., Gov., 100, 245

Poultry, 224

Powder River, Wyoming, 259, 260, 278

Powell, John, 218, 224

Power, Thos. O, 237, 238

Powhatan Court House, Va., 229

Prairie Dogs, 125

Prentice, Geo. D., 125, 126

President Territorial Council, 245

President, U. S.. 23. 245

President Constitutional Convention of
Idaho, 253

Presidential Campaign of 1900, 253

Prickly Pear City, 139; Valley, 189

Prince George's County, 249

Prisoners, 230

Program Dedication Exercises, 49

Prout, Rev. E. G., 247

Prudhomme, Joe, 217

Public Ownership, 140

Pyramids, 60

Pack Animals, 172, 201

Pack Train, 224

Pambrum, Thos., 215

"Pan Handle," Idaho, 252

Parchen, Henry M., 33 •

Parker. M. H., 33

Parkison, Capt. Wm. H., 229, 23S, 241;

miner from 1864 to 1S86, 233; Captain
of steamboat at 18 years, 234; dis-
coverer of Hot Springs, 234; Mason
fifty years, 234; worked for election
of Jackson, 234; death of, by para-
lysis, 235, 237

Parkison, J. T.. 235; Grandfather
Parkison, 230

Parkison Brothers, locate ranches near
Denver, 233

Parkison Ferry, 229

Patch, 42

Patriot Revolutionary War, 243

Pearson, 198

Peck, A. D., 50, 66, 154

Pedretti's Sons, 54

Peltier, 224

Peltier, Robert, Gus Peltier, 220; Mrs.
Peltier, 223

Peltries, 233

Pemberton, Judge, 120

Pend d'Oreille Lake, 127; Pend
d'Oreilles, 205

Perkins, Dr., 212

Perry, Mose, 220

Perry, Sam. 114

Philadelphia, 216

INDEX.

323

Philipsburg, 176

Physician and Surgeon of Territorial

Penitentiary, 245
Pickles, cucumber, 222
Pike's Peak, 233
Pilot, 212, 233; of Missouri River Party,

238
Pinch of snuff, 126
Pioneers, 188; pioneers (termed adven-

teurers), 39, 41, 98
Pioneer Meeting1, Virginia City, 14, 15
Pioneer Teachers. 15; Women, 15. 188,

192
Pioneers' Wonderful Activity, 140
Pittsburgh. Pa.. 230. 231, 236
Qualifications of Governor, 107
Quartz Mining. 252
Quesnelle, Leon, 218
Rabelais. 127
Race Animal, 223
Race Track. 224
Radersburg. 160, 161
Raft River, 216

Railroad to Columbia, cost of, 125
Rain-in-the-face, 61
Ramsey, 208, 209
Rations for fifteen days, 278
Rattlesnake Creek, 211
Ravalli 42
Ravalli. Father, 248
Rawlins. 124

Reappointment, board, 11
Red Buttes, 132
Red Ribbon, 230
Red River, 231
Red Tape, 169
Reed. C. O., 10
Reed. Wm., 215
Reeves, Charles, 226
Refreshments in campaign of "Old

Hickory." 236
Register of Pioneer Life, 156
Reno. Major Marcus A., 265, 285, 286;

Reno's Attack, 266. 279
Report Librarian, 10, 12, 14
Reports Supreme Court, 120
Republican Candidate, U. S. Senate, 253;

Ticket, 227
Resignations, 13, 16

Resolution of Capitol Commission re-
garding loss of contractor, 151
Retting & Sweet, 59
Revolutionary War, 243
Richmond, Ky., 246
Rickards. Gov., 67, 104
Riter, 219
River Men. 237
Rivers, Columbia, 40; Missouri, 40, 44

Riverside station, 163

Road Agent, 215

"Robert Campbell" steamboat, 232

Roberts, Thos. H., Asst. Engineer N. P.

R. R., 240
Robes, 11,000 packs, 233
Robinson, Jerry, 62
Rock Creek. 190. 216
Rock Island, 188
Rocky Canyon. 183
Rocky Mountains, 62. 124. 126, 235
Ronan, Mrs., 12
Roosevelt, 94
Rosebud river, 260, 262
Ross's Hole. 209
Rough Riders, S7
Rowers, 219
Rumley, Chas., 15
Russian, 125; Russia, 126
Sabine River. 231: town, 231
Saints. Land of. 205
Salmon River, 205. 209
Salt Lake, 43; Salt Lake City, 131, 194,

200. 205. 209, 224
Sandbanks, 126

Sanders, W. F., 33, 34. 54, 122, 190
San Francisco, 217, 244, 250
Saratoga, 135
Sarpy. John B., 232
Scalp White Man, 279; blonde white

woman, 205
Schaeffer, Judge, 205
Schofield, Lieut., 178
School Districts. 11
School of Mines, 104
Schools, Number of, 40
Seal of the State, 145
Second herd of cattle in Montana, 234
Secretary Board of Trustees, 10-15
Secretary Capitol Commission, 50
Secretary of State, 20, 49, 52
September 1861. 221; Sept 4th. 224; Sept.

1858, 250; Sept. 1858. 233; Sept. 23,

1886. 236; Sept.9 , 1865, 244; Sept. 21,

1838, 249
Servis, Francis C, 118
Senate Chamber, 53
Seventh Legislative Assembly, 153
Seventh (7th) Regiment U. S. Cavalry,

260, 278
Several thousand lodges, 262
Severe winter in Oregon, 201
Shediac, N. B., 227
Sheppard, 216
Sheridan, Gen.. 259
Sherman, Gen.. 166, 262
Shining Mountains, 127
Shively, 166, 173, 174, 178

324

INDEX.

Shotguns, double barrelled, 22'"

Siberia, 12G

Silver Bow county. 22S

Silver City. 139

Simmonds, O. C, 150

Sioux. 100, 213; Sioux Uncapapa, 259;
Sioux War, causes of. 259

Sitting Bull. 259. 260

Six Steamboats, 236

Sixty head of horses, 225

Sketch. 21

Sketch of Gen. Jackson, 236

Slade, 215

Smith, R. B.. Governor, 34. 38, 54, 98

Smith. Wm. D., 33

Smith. H. P. A.. 233; Named Denver, 233

Smith, Green Clay. 100

Smith. Gen. A. J.. 286

Snakes. 215

Snake River. 162. 202, 206, 220; Snake
River Valley. 127, 132

Snake Indians. 205, 207

Snow. 201; Snow deep. 224; Snow shoes,
225

Social Chemistry, 133

Society of Free and Accepted Masons,
47

Soda Springs, 204, 205, 216

Soldiers, three hundred, 232

Sore throats, 236

Soss. J. C. 71, 151

South Platte. 214

Souvenir. 71

Spain, 123

Specimens Smithsonian Institute, 13

Sphinx. 60

Spike Driving Painting, 58

Spokane. 254

Springville, 139

Spruce beer. 236

Squaw Camp, 171; Squaw, 173

Stage Station, 189

Stairway, Grand, 57

Starr, Prof.. 247

Starz, Mr., 12

State Capitol Building. 24; Fund, 67

State Capitol Commission, 50, 68, 69, 70,
75

State Flower, 56

State Furnishing Board, 59, 70, 153

State House, 24

State Parlor, 56

State Publishing Company, 14

Stateler, 42

Statement of receipts and disburse-
ments of Capitol Commission, 154

"Statesman" steamer, 230

Statue of Liberty, 52

Steamboat navigated to furthest point,
232

Steamboating, 231

Sieamboats destroyed by cyclone, 231

Steele, Dr. Wm., 248

Steele vs. Story, 117

Steersman, 219

Stenographer, 14

Sterling, 161

Stevens, Gov. I. I., 204, 232

Stevensville, 227

Stewart, 178

Stewart, Wm. H., 250

Stinkingwater (Ruby), 207

Stockades, 206

Stockholders, 235

St. Anthony Falls, Minn., 188

St. Denis, 197, 227

St. Joseph, 131, 198; St. Joe, 219, 220, 226

St. Louis. 81, 198, 212, 214, 217, 219, 220,
231, 232, 235

St. Marie Heights, 100

St. Martinsoll, 231

St. Mary's Mission, 61

St. Paul, Minn., 232

Store of Grant's 217

Stuart Brothers, 208, 218

Stuart, Granville, 13, 14, 209, 226

Stuart, James, 136, 209

Stubbs' Ferry, 238

Sugar, 167

Summary of 1896, 247

Sun Dance, 279

Sunrise in the West, 239

Superintendent Public Documents, 12

Supplies, 233

Supreme Court of State, 120; organized,
115, 116; reports, 117

Surgeon General, 245

Survey of 1872 made by N. P. R. R., 240

Surveyors, 234

Sutler, 230

Sweet Water, 215

Sylvenite, 76

Sylvia Roseffle, 194

Symes, George G., 118

Targhee Pass, 13

Tarleton Family, 243

Tashunka-Uitco, 259

Tatonka-e-Yotanka, 260

"Tech", steamboat, New Orleans Bat-
tleground, 237

Telegram, 24

'len-Doy, (sometimes Tin Doy or Ten
Doi), 207

Tennessee Marble, 52

Territorial Penitentiary, 245

INDEX.

325

Terry, Gen. Alfred H., 260, 278; In-
structs Custer, 261

Texas, 124, 231

The Greatest Scalp Dance in History,
274

Thibault, 226

Thieme (Theme), Fred, 310, 312

Thirty Miles, 232

Thompson, F. M., 15

Thompson's Falls, 211

Thorburn (Thorborn) John, 114

Three Forks, 161

Thresher, B. S., 33

Tobacco, 214

Todd, Capt., 214

Todd. Richard, 111

Tongue. River, 260, 278

Toole, Gov. J. K., 23. 49, 54, 59, 62, 104,
151, 154

Tory Branch, 249

Total Number in Big- Village, 263

Totten, Fort, 127

Trader, 15, 220; Trading Houses, 219;
Trading Posts, 40

Trail Creek, 180

Train. 220

Transactions, 10

Trans-Continental railway, 126

Transfer of Capitol Building 150;
Transfer of key of building, 74

Transporting Volunteers, 231

Trappers, 98

Treasure House of the Nation, 127

Treasure State, 74

Treasurer's Office, 53

Tribes of Indians, 40

Trowel, Masonic, 34

Umatilla river, 202, 203

Union Bank & Trust Co., 153

Union. Fort, 127, 212

Union Pacific . R. R., 131

United States Counsel, 252

University Virginia, 243

University New York City, 243

Upper Geyser Basin, 165

Upper Missouri Indians, 232

Upper Missouri River, 241

U. S. Cases, 116

U. S. Marshall, 21

Utah Territory, 199, 200, 251

Valiton, 228

Value Farm Property Montana, 1900, 85

Vaughn, Major, 212

Vaughn, Col., 232; Dressed as an In-
dian, 232

Verendrye, 81

Vermillion Bay, 231

Vermont, 192, 197

"Vic," 265

Vicksburg, 231

Views of statesmen on Rocky Mountain

country, 125
Vigilance Committee, 114
Virginia City, 111, 113, 115, 116, 156, 157,

183, 194, 208, 226
Virginia City, Nevada, 250
Virginia, state, 230, 242
Volume I, 15
Volume II, 11, 22
Volume III, 14, .16, 17, 19
Volunteer, 230
Voyageur Hardy, 239
Wade, Decius S., 118
Wagener, Judge. 233
Wallace. Wm., 225
Walla Walla. 15, 43, 123, 206, 208, 217,

219, 222. 224
War Chiefs. 262
"War with Spain, 27
Warm Springs, 245
Warren, Henry L... 117, 118
Warriors, 260
Washakee, 215
Washington County, Pa., 229; City, 204,

236
Washington. Pres., 229; Gen., 230
Washington, state, 254; Territory, 111,

204, 232. 252
Washita. 261, 265
Water Shed. 124
Water Supply, 151
Watertown, N. T., 188
Waukesha, 192
Weapons of Seventh Cavalry, 265; of

Warriors. 262
Webster, Daniel, 125
West Point Graduates, 232
Wheeler, W. F., 14, 15, 197; Col., 233
Wheeler. Henry Sibley, (Biographical).

21, 22
Wheeling. Va., 229, 230
Whigs, 236

Whiskey Insurrection of 1792, 230
White, B. F., Gov., 103
White George, 224
White Settlements, 98
White Women, 214
Whittier, 82
Williamson. Ned, 217
Williamsport, Pa., 234
Williston. L,. P., 112, 113, 116, 118
Willow Creek, 206
Wilkison, General, 229
Winecoop. Edward. 233
Winter of 1860-61, 218
Winthrop, Robt. C, 125

326

INDEX.

Wisconsin, 192

Wunderlichs, 221

Wood Street, Pittsburgh, 236

Wyoming-, 123

"Woods, Col." steamer, 231

Yazoo River, 231

Woody, F. H., 206, 225

Yeager, Dr. B. T.,

248

Wolf skin, 233

Year — 1802, 243;

1827, 230; 1828,

230;

Wollaeger, Manufacturing- Co., 59

1835, 230; 1838,

231; 1839, 231;

1842,

Women, Two in Helena, Jan. 1865, 233

231; 1852, 232;

1853, 232; 1858,

233;

Wonderland, First Impressions, 156

1859, 233; 1863,

244; 1864, 233;

1866,

Word, Lee, 120

245; 1876, 259;

1879, Parkison

left

Worden, Frank L., 219

Helena, 233

Worden, F. C, 225

Yellowstone Fall

3 and Lake, 165

Work of Capitol Commission, 149

River, 132, 179,

260

Wren, Sir Christopher, 140

Yellowstone National Park, 278

Wright, Col., 15

Yreka, 139

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